WILLIAMSBURG — A ribbon-cutting ceremony at the James City County Marina Wednesday officially marked its reopening after an improvement project aimed to provide residents with more access to recreation on Powhatan Creek and the James River.
Construction of Stage 1 improvements began in November 2020 and the facility reopened in April.
The project included demolition and removal of existing docks and utility infrastructure, dredging of the Marina basin, and the installation of rock revetment for shoreline stabilization, a floating dock system and bulkhead, underground utilities, a new paddle craft launch in the cove area, a new sidewalk and paved road and parking lot, according to James City County Parks & Recreation.
Stage 1 is expected to be fully completed in September with the installation of a new marine fueling system, pump out, site lighting, permanent tending pier, and caps for bulkhead.
The cost of the stage 1 improvements is $3.7 million.
What’s Open
New paddle craft launch area
Paddle craft customers (canoe, kayak, SUPs) may launch at the Marina at no cost provided they launch from the new paddle craft launch area. Launching from the boat ramp requires a nominal fee.
Paddle craft are available for rent from the Marina Store from 8 a.m.-noon daily. After noon, rentals are available at Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily. For more information about paddle rentals, call 757-258-5020 or visit the park’s website at rental fees.
Boat ramp
The Marina boat ramp is open 24 hours a day and customers should use the honor system to pay for boat ramp use after noon.
Uncovered slips
The old dock has been replaced with a new floating ADA-accessible dock system equipped with power and water hookups. Current uncovered slip holders can bring their boats back to the Marina.
Other Stage 1 improvements include:
- Dredging of the basin to enhance boat navigation.
- Installing a rock revetment to stabilize the shoreline.
- Pedestrian sidewalk and parking lot improvements.
What’s next?
Work continues on the refueling station and the pump-out system. Marine fuel is available at Surry Seafood Company Marina in Surry. For more information about refueling, call 757-294-3700.
Marina customers will experience minor inconveniences until the project is fully complete, and the James City County Parks & Recreation thanks them for their continued patience.
For more information on the project, please call 757-565-3699 or email parks.rec@jamescitycountyva.gov.
