By Paige Nash
A ribbon cutting ceremony for the brand-new kayak launch dock was held along Bayou Dorcheat in Dixie Inn last Friday, June 2.
Members of the Webster Parish Convention and Visitors Commission (WPCVC) were in attendance along with members of the Bayou Chapter of the Ozark Society, Greater Minden Chamber, Webster Parish Police Jury, Dorcheat Bayou Rentals, EZ Dock, Dixie Inn council and Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries.
Greater Minden Chamber President Stephanie Barnett welcomed the attendees. She said, “We are super excited to be here and help Webster Parish Tourism open their new kayak launch. They have done a tremendous job getting the knowledge out about our waterways and all the experiences you can have out here on the water.”
WPCVC Executive Director Serena Gray has been working on this project for almost 5 years and credited the board and their partnership with EZ Docks and the Webster Parish Police Jury for assisting in establishing the very first dock in Webster Parish.
“We could not be doing this without the police jury’s partnership and cooperation in placing these docks on their property,” said Gray “We had lots of conversations. So, we absolutely would not have been able to place these without their support and all the work they are going to do at the other locations.”
The two locations under consideration are the Sibley public boat launch on Highway 164 or in Shongaloo on Highway 2.
“There is some groundwork that needs to happen at both locations, so we will assess which project is going to be quicker and put the dock at that location,” said Gray. “The work that goes into preparing the land for these docks is done with the police jury’s help. They see the vision of tourism and what we are doing, and they want to help accomplish the dreams and plans we have for the parish.”
Dixie Inn alderwoman Nell Finlay expressed her excitement for having this new asset in town.
“Our little town works hard, and we try to do everything we can to keep it going. It has been a big loss with our fish place, but this is going to really pick it back up for us,” said Finlay.
The first Moonlight Paddle event of the year was scheduled for the following day, Saturday, June 4, but was cancelled due to weather and will be rescheduled at a later date.
Dorcheat Bayou Rentals offers single, tandem and kayak trailers per day for events and everyday use. For a single it is $60 per day, tandem is $70 per day and for a kayak trailer it is $50 per day. All rentals include a lifejacket and paddle. If you are interested in renting from them, please call 318-403-3440 to book your reservation. Kayak
