A Message from Chamber CEO Douglass Wilhoit:
Marina to be a crown jewel 

of downtown development

JUNE 2008 - One of Stockton’s biggest draws is about to get a whole lot better with the progress that is being made on the new downtown waterfront marina. Below you will find an update courtesy of the City of Stockton on the progress that is being made on what will surely be a crown jewel of the city’s waterfront.

Publisher’s note

We could all debate what truly is the “jewel” of downtown Stockton, but no one can argue with what is our greatest asset – our waterfront location. That is why boaters and non-boaters have been anxiously awaiting the new marina. Boaters look forward to the day when they can step directly off their boats to enjoy waterfront and downtown dining, shopping, entertainment, and events. Even for those who do not own boats, the day is soon coming when we can look up or down the channel and see the bright white and marine blue of boats glistening on the water in downtown Stockton.

From a planning perspective, the waterfront marina actually has three distinct components, all inextricably linked: dry stack storage, the promenade and amenities, and the berths and guest docks. Permitting is always a challenge and timing is everything, as economy and ecology are not always in sync. Permits from a multitude of regulatory agencies will soon be in place, designs finalized, and a guaranteed maximum construction price should all be accomplished by July. The first, fastest, and most visual construction will be the dry stack storage facility at Morelli Park with capacity for 150 boats, both 25- and 30-footers. Construction is already in-progress at Morelli Park, including: widening the boat launch ramp to four lanes; three new boarding ramps; expanding the parking area to 133 spaces; a new access road; remodeled restrooms, new sidewalks; an entry kiosk and gate; additional lighting and electrical services; water and sewer lines; security fencing; and landscaping and irrigation.

Not the most visible, but extremely critical is the in-water construction, such as the pile drivings for the marina. There is a very short window of opportunity to complete this work, August 1 through October 31. With the support structure in place, the rest of the marina and promenade can be completed within a year.

The Joan Darrah Promenade, named for our late mayor who was a visionary and champion for downtown Stockton’s redevelopment, will include renovation and new construction on both the north and south shore. This portion of the project includes: installation of a new western promenade; installation of private restroom facilities for the permanent boat slip tenants; installation of an access road and parking lot off West Weber Avenue; and the refurbishment of the existing parking lot along Tuleburg Levee Road.

Those interested in leasing permanent slips will have access to 66 berths. Guest docks will be located along both the north and south shore. The north shore is the area near the Arena and the Sheraton Hotel, and the south shore guest docks will be located near the Waterfront Warehouse. Capacity will vary, depending on the size of the boats, with 1,400 linear feet of space available.

The vision is to build the best possible project with all of the services required for a high-end marina. Public art is a critical aspect so that it is not just a facility, but an experience. Plazas on the north shore and parks on the south shore work together and remain consistent with the goal of making our downtown a destination.

Funding is the most critical aspect of any project. The Department of Boating and Waterways provided $13.3 million; $12.5 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and additional funding was provided by the California Resources Agency, U.S. Department of Fish & Game, in addition to limited funds from the City of Stockton Redevelopment Agency and the City of Stockton’s general fund.

While design, permitting, and funding work continues, plans for the operation of the facility are being developed concurrently. The City has hired a consultant who is a marina operation specialist. Operating policies are being developed and reviewed to make certain that operations run smoothly and that the fees charged are both in line with the market and sufficient to cover the operating cost of the facilities.

We will all join in a collective sigh of relief – the feeling that we have arrived – when the waterfront is bustling with boats moored along the channel and foot traffic along the promenade. The one guarantee – the view will be breathtaking.