BY ENRIQUE CORREA
CLEVELAND — Getting access to Lake Erie from downtown Cleveland just got a lot easier.
There’s a new boat marina behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that includes jet skis, paddle boats and kayak rentals.
The North Coast Harbor Marina was officially unveiled Wednesday afternoon as Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson cut the ribbon to open it up.
“I think it’s a great idea, long overdue. I really believe we need to expand even more by adding storefronts,” said Cynthia Duke of Cleveland.
The $1.9 million marina is part of the downtown lakefront plan and Cleveland’s commitment to revitalize the city’s waterfront.
Now people in downtown Cleveland have easy access to the lakefront. “Here really hasn’t been a way to get any access into downtown, Lake Erie here, so I think it’s a great idea to get people involved down here,” said Bob Wilcox of Chesterland.
Boaters can pull up right into one of the 53 slips that can be rented by the hour or by the week.
The city owns the docks but a private company is running the rentals.
“It brings people down to the heart of the city and allows them access to the waterfront for the first time and we are proud to be the first boast here to do it,” said Mike Hughes of Gate Mills.
“Now having these slips here we plan on making some destination trips down to Cleveland, hitting a ball game, hitting some of the nice restaurants and spending a weekend down here,” said Chris Tjotjos of Rocky River.
The rock dock is open daily from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Jet ski rentals will cost you $60 for a half hour and $100 for an hour.
Paddle boats, paddle boards and kayaks will run you $15 for 30 minutes and $25 for an hour.
All the rentals have to stay in the area behind the Rock Hall and Great Lakes Science Center.
http://fox8.com/2014/06/25/rock-dock-new-marina-means-easier-access-to-lake-erie/
