"Many times I've heard this comment, 'It's starting to look less like a war zone and more like a marina again' or something similar, from people walking by or through the Des Moines Marina this past month, " observed Doreen Torseth, contract administrator for the City of Des Moines Marina construction projects. "And it is true; the final product is clearly taking shape."

Doreen is right. However, for those who live right next door to the marina, a non-voluntary captive audience subjected to 8-hours a day, 5-days a week, and more, of construction's all-consuming noises; pound, beep, rattle, bang, scrape, dump, drill, etc., this construction has not been a walk in the park.

The stressful noise drowned out hope for peace and quiet. Still, now seeing North Marina changes coming together for a grand finale --it looks mighty pretty, and a welcome update - after almost 41-years of hard usage.

The Marina Grand Opening was May 10,1970. Sixty-seven moorages were added in 1977. The fuel dock and guest moorage float was replaced in 1989.

Doreen Torseth describes October's work performed by IMCO General Construction and subcontractors:

· Installation and tensioning of final four permanent ground anchors completed the structural elements of the new steel sheet pile/concrete pile cap bulkhead.

· A single 63' long steel guide pile was installed at the end of L-Dock Classic Yachts (Sales Office) finger pier.

· Assembly of the new guest moorage activity float accomplished. Three steel guide piles were installed along east edge of this float system. New lighted power pedestals line the activity float's east and west sides. A walkway along the center of the float allows access to the existing north guest moorage floats. The new 80- foot gangway at the north end of the activity float will provide easier access to guest moorage area in all tidal conditions. Completion of on-dock utilities and fire suppression system will take place in November.

· At the top of the bulkhead above the guest moorage area, the new promenade is beginning to take shape. Two beautiful stamped concrete compass roses flanking the north and south ends of this area are completed. Surrounding each compass roses are concrete multi-height seat walls. All along the bulkhead new lighting was installed. In the next several weeks, work will tie this entire area together with sidewalks and landscaping. The new promenade area will soon provide a true gathering place for Marina visitors arriving by water or land.

Installation of sidewalks, irrigation, landscaping and asphalt paving will soon complete the North Marina combined projects body of work. Although several of these activities are weather-dependent, with bad weather potentially causing delayed completion of the activity, each week should find the area less occupied by construction equipment and looking again more like a marina.

Doreen Torseth signed off with, "Thank you for your continued patience throughout this past year of construction at the north end of the Des Moines Marina. Please be patient a short while longer. The final product will be worth it."

Mayor Bob Sheckler said, "When this update is all done it will be like a brand-new marina with new configuration and usage. I predict Des Moines Marina will become a "star-attraction on Puget Sound!"

The trend seems to be for larger boats regardless of the recession and the marina can now provide that space. It's anticipated more yacht club boaters will find using Des Moines new guest moorage entertainment float to their liking.

And who wouldn't give a "high-five" for that wonderful new see-through fencing at the marina and Beach Park. Finally, we who prefer to sit down and just watch boats -- rather than sail them -- can have a front row view.

Mayor Sheckler said council members are enthusiastic about downtown's new official name, "Marina District, and Water District 54 planned installation of larger pipes and increased water access in 2011 that will attract developers and business interests. The City Council is planning ahead to develop a possible "Cape Cod" type theme for the Marina District that will apply to all construction for continuity of purpose and design.

The city must have sufficient infrastructure in place and new access to water supplies expansion to promote development. Watch for Water District 54 and City of Des Moines Marina District construction to begin early 2011, weather permitting.

And with all today's fantastic updating resources I wonder if mankind could develop a way to update this seasoned citizen's energy supply and crank up the fun and smiles that life is all about. I'm available for that construction anytime. Meantime, check out the marina's "new look" soon.

Today's Thought: Public Sentiment is everything. With public sentiment nothing can fail, without it nothing can succeed. Abraham Lincoln - 1858