BULLHEAD CITY — The Sunshine Marina Lagoon dredging project is nearly complete, but additional efforts are underway to prepare the northern entrance of Arizona Veterans Memorial Park for reopening to vehicle traffic.
Project Overview: Sunshine Marina Lagoon Dredging
The dredging initiative began in early December with a target completion date by early 2025. This essential maintenance project was included in the Bullhead City 2024-25 capital improvement budget, with $100,000 allocated for the work. The project also received permitting approval from the Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Who Performed the Dredging Work?
MA General Engineering was tasked with the dredging operation. Their efforts focused on removing accumulated silt from the lagoon, located between the Sunshine Peninsula and Whitewater Drive.
“Their portion of the project is complete,” stated Mackenzie Covert, public information officer for Bullhead City.
Ongoing Maintenance Efforts at the Park
The Arizona Veterans Memorial Park, situated on the Sunshine Peninsula, remains a focal point for city maintenance crews. Work is expected to continue for several weeks as the cleanup process progresses.
Spoil Pile Removal
City crews are currently removing spoil piles—materials excavated during dredging—from the site. This includes clearing debris and overgrowth from the park’s slopes and restoring the temporary construction access road to its original dirt condition.
“Our crews are still working to remove the spoil piles,” added Covert.
Temporary Closures and Park Access
As part of the ongoing project, the Sunshine Marina boat launch and the northern parking lot of the park remain closed. However, pedestrian access to the park is permitted. Visitors can still explore park monuments and enjoy recreational activities, though heavy machinery is actively operating in the area.
On Monday, several visitors were seen walking leashed dogs and viewing the monuments, while a city worker used a loader to move dirt and rocks into a growing pile in the parking lot.
Why Was the Dredging Necessary?
The primary goal of the dredging project was to deepen the lagoon, particularly near the boat ramp. This improvement is designed to enhance accessibility for residents launching boats during low water levels.
When Will the Park Entrance Reopen?
No official timeline has been provided for the reopening of the northern entrance to Arizona Veterans Memorial Park for vehicle traffic. City officials continue to prioritize the completion of the maintenance work to ensure the area is safe and accessible.