n8ly, it sounds like you have a great start! I think this is something every community needs. Government can't do everything, we've got to take it upon ourselves to do a lot of this.

Please, everyone else join in. We all have something to offer.

Before I get to the railing, let me go over a few other points.

Consider this to be a business and run it as such. Keep business books and get them audited. Are you going to incorporate as a non-profit? It's worth considering. Get a statement in writing from your insurance company that they will cover everything.

Whenever you get anything from anyone, there is ALWAYS a string attached. It might be as simple as their name in a newsletter but it might be much more involved. Make sure everyone is clear about their expectations.

This can easily turn into a full time job and more. Get together with everyone involved in this (and their spouses) and get firm commitments about how much time they will commit to this. People have a nasty habit of talking much and doing little. So start small and build up slowly. It's easier to add groups than it is to turn people away.

Good for you to fence the area. You are avoiding more problems than you can shake a stick at by doing this. I also suggest you allow absolutely NO ONE to fish unless you or an authorized person is with them.

Provide all of the fishing equipment and bait. Keep it simple. I use spin casting equipment with a circle hook, split shot and bobber. I can't emphasis circle hooks enough. People feel really bad if a fish dies because it swallowed a hook.

Now, finally, to the railing. Look at the picture of our dock that ewest posted on page 1. We just used the Sioux Falls building code for a deck. That is a three ft. tall railing with 2 X 2's set on 6 inch centers. The top of the railing is a 2 X 6 caping a 2 X 4 over a 4 X 4. You will notice that the 4 X 4's go up 7 ft. and support a covered roof made of sheet metal. You will notice that I use rod holders on the railing. Many of the people using our pond cannot hold a rod and need this help.

This dock is 32 ft. long and 10 ft. wide. It is anchored to the shore and thus extends 10 ft. out over the water. The fish like to stay under the dock because of the shade. Also, I filled the area under the dock with concrete (cinder) blocks that attract bait fish. There is always good fishing here.

This area will hold about 5-6 people in wheel chairs with their helpers. The other thing it does is control where people are fishing. The worst thing that can happen to you is to have people (kids especially) wander off. Rather than one long area, you might consider 3-4 docks like this. It would allow you to control the people fishing at your lake better.

I don't mean to get carried away but these are some things you might consider. Please, everyone else join in.

Norm Kopecky