Q. Why is there no boat access to the bands and performances that are booked at the wonderful Monona Terrace? I take guests out many times and show them the convention center from the lake, but they can't see it up close because we can't dock. A. Boats often gather in the immediate area when there are concerts in the center's Evjue Rooftop Gardens, said Gregg McManners, director of operations for Monona Terrace. But boaters must enjoy the performances from out on the water because there currently is no way to access the center from the lake.
"We have long considered the possibility of doing something about this but it would take some major reconstruction of the sea wall, which is there to protect people, the fishermen and pedestrians as well as bikers," McManners said.
The city's Parks Division does put in several seasonal piers in the area. One is right at the convention center and another handicap-accessible pier is at the end of North Shore and John Nolen drives.
But the piers are designed for pedestrian traffic not boats.
"Some people fish off them but the vast majority of people go out there just to be on the water," said parks facility maintenance supervisor Tom Skaife with the Parks Division.
The nearest boat launch to the convention center is at Law Park.
— Heather LaRoi
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