Floating area by River Prairie Development gets easier access

Monday, July 18, 2016
Neil Hebert | WEAU

ALTOONA, Wis. (WEAU) -- A new area to float down a river in Eau Claire County is now more accessible for the public.

Tubers, kayakers, and canoers can now launch into the Eau Claire River underneath the Highway 53 bypass near the River Prairie Drive exit.

If you're looking for a different place to hop in the water and float down the river, that area is now open for the public to use, but are there concerns when it comes to your safety?

The new River Prairie development in Altoona has given the public a chance to launch their non-motorized water toys easier, but is that stretch of water from the bridge to Phoenix Park safe to use them?

"The terrain might be a little more treacherous due to the depth of the water in certain spots of the Eau Claire River there, so obviously you'd want to be careful there," Altoona Police Chief Jesse James said.

James says the launch site is safe to use for patrons, but before the new development was put in, the area wasn't easy to access without parking on private property.

"Some people were driving down the bike path to launch, which created issues and we'd have numerous calls," James said. "Before, people were parking on private property."

But since it's been renovated, it's given the public easier access and room to park.

"Now that the city's invested in making it a paved road down there allowing parking space, Chippewa Valley residents are encouraged to take advantage of the natural beauty that exits on the Eau Claire River there and launch their kayaks and boats," James said.

The launch spot is a hand boat launch only, so no motorized water vehicles are allowed to launch.

"There was signage put in to restrict use just for canoes and kayaks; emergency personnel can only launch motorized boats in that area for water rescue-type situations," James said.

Some who just found the new hand boat launch say it's a great little spot to hang out, but to be careful on the rocks.

"From what I can tell, it looks pretty safe," Chris Caldwell of Altoona, who was using the area for the first time today, said. "There are some rocks and that, so I'd say be careful on the rocks getting in. Once you get in, the water is pretty deep, so you should be okay once you get in the water. Just be aware of the rocks."

Chief James said there has yet to be any incidents on that stretch of river this year, but to always bring someone with you if you do go floating or kayaking.

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