St. Charles canoe launch to open on Fox

ST. CHARLES -- Access to the Fox River just got better.

Stewards of this natural beauty will dedicate a new canoe launch on Saturday in memory of Frank H. Gorham, who was instrumental in the effort to improve the city's downtown riverfront environment.

"He was a true gentleman," Vern Oie, treasurer of the River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles, said of Gorham.

The boat launch is along the Freedom Trail, immediately north of the Ekwabet bronze statue, a 15-foot tall American Indian sculpture overlooking the river.

The dedication is scheduled for 9 a.m.

Gorham, who died Feb. 23, was president and CEO of Robert H. Anderson and Associates Inc., a St. Charles engineering consulting firm. He previously served as director of public works for the city of St. Charles.

Gorham served on a Downtown St. Charles Partnership river committee and had a role in obtaining a state grant, along with Elizabeth Bellaver, for the boat dock.

Starting in 2002, the city, river committee, park district and volunteers spearheaded a public planning process that resulted in a multi-year River Corridor Master Plan.

"As we uncover our history, we are finding the Fox River has had a major role in the settlement of our community," said Kim Malay, historic preservation coordinator for the St. Charles community development department.

"Most everyone has agreed the river has been under-utilized by far."

"Frank was great support and influential in so many projects," Malay said.

Saturday's dedication is a celebration of the visionaries responsible for the River Corridor Master Plan.

The master plan encompasses open land along the east side of the river from Pottawatomie Park to Langum Park, and the west shoreline from Boy Scout Island to Mount St. Mary's Park.

Short- and long-term elements include access, conservation/erosion control, linkage to downtown business areas, and recreational usage.

One of the major projects was the timely installation of the Bob Leonard Walkway, located along the western bank at the Illinois Avenue Bridge, which essentially "re-established and fortified" the area with granite boulders to prevent further shoreline erosion.

Malay said the area has seen considerable shoreline erosion in the past five years and recent heavy rains would have forced them to stop the project.

The boat launch is handicap accessible. The St. Charles Canoe Club assisted in the redesign, and is expected to present a $1,000 donation.