Blueway Trail to link our waterways: "Creating Access For All" and a video explains project

"The vision for the Chain of Lakes Blueway Trail experience is to finally link Palm Beach County waterways by providing two-way access for small boats and non-motorized watercraft between the Chain of Lakes, Lake Worth Lagoon and the Intracoastal Waterway, which is just a few hundred yards away. In Palm Beach County, 80 percent of registered small boats meet this criteria – and that doesn’t include the thousands of kayakers, paddleboarders, canoers and others who use the local waterways every year."—Quote from the Chain of Lakes Blueway Trail Project website. Video at end of this blog post.

The Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council (TCRPC) recently gave an in-depth presentation before the Lake Worth City Commission. Read about that using this link. From the Blueway Trail Project website, benefits of this project:

• Direct, two-way connectivity between the Chain of Lakes, Lake Worth Lagoon, Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean
• Potential for additional forms of ecotourism by linking our Greenways and Blueways
• Improvements to existing fishing piers (now closed for safety reasons)
• Restoration and preservation of wildlife habitats
• Increased commerce and job opportunities

To say this is big news is an understatement. Should the C-51 Canal become navigable by pleasure craft and small boats, canoes, and kayaks this will be a game changer for us in Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, and western communities like Palm Springs and Lake Clarke Shores.

The S-155 (spillway structure) is on the C-51 Canal east of Dixie Hwy and separates West Palm Beach from the City of Lake Worth. Did you know the term "spillway" is not accurate? The water released actually flows underneath the barriers, not over.

This idea has been talked about for quite some time and now it's advancing with the help of some people many of you will be familiar with. Here is an excerpt from this article last December titled, "Lift at spillway would allow boat traffic from inland lakes to ocean":

     State Rep. Dave Kerner and State Sen. Jeff Clemens [emphasis added], both D-Lake Worth, whose districts include both sides of the spillway as well as parts of the chain of lakes, are working to get the money, Kerner said.

[and. . .]

     Kerner it could take as long as five years before the lift is in and operating. But, he said, “We’ve been moving quickly. We’ve got a great coalition.”

More facts about the Blueway Trail and limitations for boats that will be using the newly constructed boat lift:

• Can be no heavier than 3.5 tons dry weight
• No longer than 25′ in length
• Cannot exceed 5.5′ above the water line

Enjoy the video and spread the word. Most importantly, contact your elected officials and tell them you support the Blueway Trail and "Access For All"!