Due to the success of the Port O’Connor Chamber,s fundraising efforts and a possible grant, the Board of Directors is busy working on several community enhancement projects. There are three main projects we are working on in conjunction with the Parks Board and Commissioner Gary Reese.
The first project will be to improve handicap accessibility at the Kingfisher pavilion and the beach. The current plan is to raise the sidewalk in front of the pavilion due to standing water issues when it rains. A new sidewalk will be added off the beach side of the pavilion and will extend to the old bulkhead. Where the sidewalk ends, we will install a portable roll-up beach mobility mat approximately six feet wide which will run down to the water. This will allow wheelchairs to easily cross over the sand and get to the water. The picnic table next to the pavilion will also be refitted for wheelchair accessibility. A special thanks to the Red Snapper Roundup who specifically donated funds to make our beach more accessible for persons with disabilities!!!
Secondly, we will have a new set of steps built off the county’s property into the water at the corner of Main and Park Street. The current concrete steps are dilapidated and unsafe. The new steps will provide a great entry location for waders and kayakers. There is also parking at this location.
Lastly and the most challenging is to improve the entry on to the little jetties. This area is widely used by people fishing off the jetty or waders and kayakers entering the water. As popularity has increased, in this area, adequate parking has also become an issue. All the details are still in the planning stages, but we hope to begin work this winter and hopefully complete by next spring.
We are hopeful that these enhancements will benefit our residents and continue to attract visitors.
The chamber is now excited to announce that we have a physical office location. Our address is 36 Cemetery Road.
Don’t forget we have several upcoming fall events: October 30 Trunk or Treat including a dog costume contest; November 27 a golf cart poker run; and December 4 the Toy Run and Boat Parade. To stay updated on our events remember to refer to our webpage www.portoconnorchamber.com.
