Marina Construction Updates

Starting Construction on the Marina Master Plan

On Monday, March 4, 2019, the Town of Frisco hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking with Frisco Mayor Gary Wilkinson on the long planned for “Big Dig” project at the Frisco Bay Marina. This project is part of the Marina Master Plan, which was approved in June 2018 by the Frisco Town Council. This project is anticipated to positively impact the Frisco Bay Marina for generations to come.

Financing

In January, ordinance 19-01 was passed on second reading by the Frisco Town Council to authorize the issuance by the Town of Frisco, acting by and through its Frisco Bay Marina enterprise, of Marina enterprise revenue bonds. These bonds were issued for a total of $5,000,000 in February 2019 to fund the Marina Master Plan projects.

Denver Water’s involvement in Frisco’s Big Dig stems from the Colorado River Cooperative Agreement, signed in 2013. The agreement settled decades of legal challenges over water rights and ushered in a new era of cooperation between Denver Water and West Slope stakeholders.

The agreement called for Denver Water to work with stakeholders to improve high-country rivers and also included payments to local governments to benefit water supply and quality, the environment and recreation. In Frisco’s case, the money from Denver Water, about $700,000 since 2013 with an additional $450,000 pledged, helped pay for the Big Dig project.

“Big Dig” Timeline & Improvements

Frisco Marina Big Dig Rendering by Tom Hogeman
2019 Summer Construction Rendering by Tom Hogeman

 The “Big Dig” started on March 4, 2019, was significantly completed by June 21, 2019, and was completed in later summer 2019 with dock work, paddle sport rack relocations and railing installations. This phase of construction was named the “Big Dig” because it involves significant excavation of the lake bed in the Frisco Bay to improve navigation; lengthen the boating season; and expand recreational facilities at the Marina. Work during the “Big Dig” phase included:

  • The grade in the bay was lowered by up to 13 feet in some areas
  • Excavation to a depth of 16 feet in south bay
  • Excavation of a channel to 9 feet in depth to northern paddle rack area
  • 85,000 cubic yards of dirt were moved. For reference, that would be 7,083 dump truck loads!
  • Addition of 3 acres of usable land to east of Lund House, which will be retained by a nine foot block wall
  • Addition of 1 acre of new, usable land in paddle area for all racks and paddle sport docks on the north side of the bay. In all, the marina gained 4 acres of new land
  • In preparation for this work, the Frisco Bay Marina lighthouse has been moved and is being stored at the marina service area. Planning for a future location for the lighthouse is still underway.
  • Relocation and construction of a boat ramp in a new location; the new ramp has three generous lanes, rather than the previous ramp’s two narrow lanes.
  • A significantly expanded beach area; the new beach is 400 feet long, compared to the old 50 foot long beach.
  • New walkways/promenades along the shore and railings running the length of the new walkways
  • New generous gangway to walkway and slips
  • Greater separation of motor and paddle sport uses in the bay and on land

More Construction Photographs

Future Plans

Future phases will be completed progressively over the years, as conditions and budget allow. Here are some of the improvements identified by the Marina Master Plan. These improvements have not been scheduled for construction at this point.

  • New office and rental/retail space
  • New bathrooms
  • New restaurant
  • Playground move and improvements
  • Improved parking
  • Boathouse
  • Dock with power and potable water access
  • Upgraded boat service building and yard