PRATT – The Cheney Marina will be open for business over Memorial Day weekend, thanks to a quick response from Congressman Ron Estes’ office in Washington. The marina building, which sits in Cheney State Park on Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) land, has been renovated and was poised to open. However, negotiations on the new contract involving the BOR, the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) and the concessionaires weren’t complete. Cheney State Park is open and ready for campers, boaters, anglers and hikers, but having the marina open was still in question just days before one of the biggest outdoor weekends of the summer.
Working with Rep. Estes’ office and BOR officials in Washington and Tulsa, KDWPT staff were able to secure a temporary contract, allowing the marina to be open this weekend while the long-term agreement continues to be perfected.
“Thanks to fast action from Rep. Estes’ office and cooperation from Bureau of Reclamation staff, Cheney State Park visitors will enjoy the convenience of the marina this weekend,” said KDWPT Park Division director Linda Lanterman. “We’re grateful to all who helped make this happen.”
The Cheney Marina currently has food, drinks, ice and other camping and outdoor necessities and will eventually be a full-service marina, providing boat slips and gas pumps. There are dozens of outdoor activities waiting at Cheney State Park this weekend, so make plans to come out, enjoy the outdoors and visit the new marina.
