By Mike Finney

SMYRNA — Boating access on Garrisons Lake got a lot easier for anglers Wednesday, as a newly renovated $353,700 ramp was unveiled.

The boat ramp, which will make it easier to get vessels into the lake, also includes a portable restroom and a newly paved parking area. The new facility — managed by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Division of Fish & Wildlife — replaces a deteriorated 30-plus-year-old ramp.

David Saveikis, director of the Division of Fish & Wildlife, was impressed by the final product, designed by Century Engineering and constructed by Middletown-based Mumford & Miller Concrete Inc.

“A picture is worth a thousand words, and it speaks for itself,” Mr. Saveikis said. “It’s a great project that’s well-designed, well-conceived and well-constructed.

“This ramp is one of 65 boating access areas managed by DNREC, ... over 50 of which are managed by the DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife, including nearly 25 boat ramps on freshwater ponds and lakes, like this ramp at Garrisons.”

DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin said the new facility and added improvements were 75% funded from a Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration program grant, as well as proceeds from DNREC fishing license special funds.

The federal funds come from fishing tackle excise taxes paid by recreational anglers and fuel taxes paid by boaters.

“This is providing access, providing opportunities to get folks out into the environment,” Mr. Garvin said. “When we look at the environment and we look at environmental justice, environmental justice isn’t just about how we deal with regulations and cleaning up sites, it’s how we provide access to great facilities and opportunities like Garrisons Lake.

“It really is an exciting day.”

After all, Garrisons Lake is one of Delaware’s five most-fished ponds, with strong populations of sunfish, largemouth bass and black crappie.

The recreational spot south of Smyrna is also among the state’s top 10 most popular ponds and lakes for largemouth bass tournaments, attracting both local and out-of-state fishing clubs.

Commissioner Joanne Masten, of the Kent County Levy Court 1st District, said the improvements to the Garrisons Lake facility have been a long time coming and were certainly needed.

“I’ve lived (in Smyrna) all my life and I’ve certainly seen this area heavily used,” Commissioner Masten said. “In fact, 10 years ago we had a small boat and we tried to take it out here a couple of times and it was a laborious task, one that my husband and I really didn’t want to do anymore, so we haven’t been back.

“However, now seeing this today for the first time I may just have to uncover that boat and come back out. I think this can be nothing but an asset to the county. I think it’s an anglers’ paradise to be able to get off (U.S.) 13 and come to the lake.”

The new boat ramp is just one of several improvements that have been made to Garrison Lake over the past several years, including a nearly 140-foot-long, handicapped-accessible aluminum footbridge completed in 2012.

The popular footbridge made Garrisons Lake a safer and more accessible place to fish. Previously, anglers and visitors had to walk along the shoulder of busy U.S. 13. The footbridge also provides safe and convenient fishing access to the spillway.

The north parking lot at Garrisons Lake has also been repaved, as well as repairs that have taken place to the dam over the last couple of years.

“Today, we’re here to cut the ribbon on this great project,” Secretary Garvin said. “Boaters and anglers, I know, are eager to launch their jon boats and their bass boats up to 20-feet long. This also goes along with a new courtesy dock on this amazing 92-acre lake.

“This is a means to an end. The end is trying to get as many people out boating and fishing and enjoying our environment.”

Mr. Garvin said DNREC is pleased anytime it is able to improve facilities and offer more recreational opportunities to the public.

“DNREC’s public service mission includes providing and enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities for Delawareans and visitors, as well as supporting local communities by providing facilities like this new boat ramp at Garrisons Lake,” he said.

“Anglers have a good chance of catching a 4- or 5-pound bass here, so these renovations will enhance the lake’s appeal and popularity as a tournament destination as well as a great place to fish.”