County grant money builds plastic floating dock on Peconic riverfront
Rowers in this Sunday’s Snowflake Regatta will have a brand new plastic dock to launch from, town officials announced this week.
The $35,000 dock, located on downtown Riverhead’s Peconic riverfront, was paid for through a Suffolk County downtown revitalization grant issued to Riverhead Town. It was installed by members of East End Rowing, who volunteered their time to build the dock over two days.
East End Rowing assistant boat captain and Riverhead Town Bay Constable Jay Divan said the new dock will be lower than the existing wooden floating dock, which will allow rowers to easily get out of their boats, especially narrow racing shells.
“They’re pretty durable,” Mr. Divan said of the material the new dock is made from.
“You can wash them off real quick,” added East End Rowing president Bill Hale. Mr. Hale, Mr. Divan and East End Rowing member Steve Gould installed the interlocked plastic pieces Wednesday afternoon.
The dock will remain there permanently, year-round, Mr. Divan said.
The $90,000 county grant will also include a boathouse that will be built downtown next year, said Riverhead Community Development director Chris Kempner.
The Snowflake Regatta kicks off at the Peconic Riverfront with races from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Visit www.eastendrowing.com for more information. Check back here Sunday for full coverage of the event.
