The dock you see in this picture was donated by Robert Boh. There is another one directly across from it that was also donated. The docks are constructed with boards made of a composite material that will not rot, last for generations, and withstand any storm. The herringbone layout of the boards on the dock contributes to its strength as do the large support beams which are sandwiched in between cement caps on top of the pilings.
The pilings, foundation, and docks are so strong that according to the foreman at the site, “could support a tractor-trailer being driven on them”. The same gentleman stated that he retired in 2004 but was asked to come out of retirement to participate in this project. He also noted that as a younger man he helped drive the pilings that support the large building wings added to the New Orleans Museum of Art years ago.
A restaurant and boat shed are to be built soon near the dock. Large cleats are ready for the paddle boats and canoes which are eventually going to be tied to them. Grasses were planted in front of the dock nearest the museum.
The “fountain” you see in the picture is not exactly what it seems. While it certainly looks like a fountain and has a dramatic plume shooting into the air, it is actually an aerator to keep up the oxygen level in the water.
The foreman indicated that Mr. Boh’s donation to the Big Lake project near the museum already exceeds 200,000 dollars.
Congratulations to Mr. Boh for giving back to our community and helping to move New Orleans forward.
See more in this flyer from the Trust for Public Land at:
http://www.tpl.org/content_documents/TPL-LA%20Fall2008%2012-31-08.pdf
From The Trust for Public Land website:
The Trust for Public Land’s agreement with Boh Bros. Construction Company includes a generous donation of services by company president, Robert S. Boh, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Boh Bros. in New Orleans. With this commitment of services along with an early cash donation to the project, Boh Bros. joins an impressive list of local and national foundations that have made the Big Lake project possible.
Article and photo by Charlie London
