Take Off Point boat ramp reopens after efficient, economical repairs

LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. — When the western boat launch at Take Off Point Recreation Area was closed due to damage on June 17, the Bureau of Land Management’s Lake Havasu Field Office responded swiftly — and economically.

Amanda Dodson, field manager for both Lake Havasu and Kingman field offices, assigned civil engineering technician Danny Pando from Lake Havasu and outdoor recreation planner Matt Driscoll from Kingman to assess the damage and develop a repair plan. Pando and Driscoll developed a plan that relied solely on existing materials and supplies — no new purchases, no added costs. 

“It was rewarding to see everyone come together and stay focused through each step. That steady teamwork made the quick turnaround possible,” Pando said. 

Over the course of three days, staff from both field offices that included park rangers, managers, administrative personnel and others joined forces with a handful of volunteers to complete the repairs. Crews repurposed existing concrete remnants and used office-stock tools to stabilize and patch the ramps retaining wall.

On the first day, assistant field manager Bill Webster from Lake Havasu Field Office led a small crew for the demo work. The team arrived in the early morning to avoid the summer heat. The low for that morning was 91 degrees and around 102 when the prep was complete. The crew removed and stored construction blocks that had begun to fall away, dismantled the damaged rail, and prepared the area for rebuilding.

On the second day, Matt Driscoll led the team to complete the lion’s share of the work after the morning planning and safety brief. By the end of the day, the repairs were well on the way to completion. The crew left with one more early morning start to complete the repairs.

Driscoll emphasized the value of local expertise.

“Everyone brought something to the table,” Driscoll said. “Using what we already had on hand, we were able to work smart and get the job done right.” 

By the third day, the in-house work reflected the field offices’ shared commitment to cross-functional collaboration and cost-conscious planning. The project moved from assessment to full reopening in just over a month, with the ramp scheduled to reopen to boaters and anglers on July 31.

Assistant field manager Bill Webster praised the team’s efficiency and results.

“I want to thank everyone who helped with the Take Off Point project,” Webster said. “You all did an outstanding job completing the work in half the projected time — and the results look fantastic.”

Take Off Point Recreation Area, located on the Arizona side of Lake Havasu, is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Havasu. It provides a free day use experience with accessible sites and facilities. Visitors can enjoy the serene environment, access to the lake, and the opportunity to engage in various outdoor activities. The area offers a range of activities, including fishing and boating, with access to the Colorado River.

The recreation area is developed through the Lake Havasu Fisheries Improvement Program. The ramp’s reopening restores access without placing additional financial burden on the public.