Cedar Lake Accessible Boat Launch

Description: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources awarded the City of Carbondale a $120,000 grant through the Boat Access Area Development Program. Carbondale was one of only five communities in Illinois to receive funding for boat access projects. The funding will be used to construct an accessible floating dock at the existing Cedar Lake boat launch, install a floating dock for canoe and kayak use, install new restroom facilities, and build a picnic pavilion.

Anticipated Start Date: Spring 2023

Estimated Completion Date: Spring 2024

Location: Cedar Lake Poplar Camp Beach

Estimated Project Cost: $147,000

Funding Source: $120,000 was funded through IDNR's Boat Access Area Development Program, and $27,000 was invested in in-kind construction, demolition, and labor by City of Carbondale personnel.

Contractor: CXT Products and G&H Marine

Project Impact: We expect minimal interruptions to the boat launch during this project. During the upgrade, one ramp will always be available for use. All other on-site facilities will be unaffected.

Project Updates:

11/20/2023 - New restrooms are complete; work on the accessible boat dock is in process. Expected completion in spring 2024.

9/18/2023 - Restrooms are being installed at the launch site.

8/1/2023 - Crews are wrapping up installation on the floating dock. Work on the pavilion will begin soon.

4/2023 - Work on the project has begun.

2/16/2023 - Materials will be delivered, and construction will begin on the ADA vault and the picnic pavilion in May 2023. The floating dock will be installed after concrete work is completed at the boat launch, which will be coordinated with low water levels this summer. 

8/31/2022 - The project is out to bid.