Fort Hamer boat ramp closes Monday, Jan. 25, for nine months

PARRISH -- The Fort Hamer boat ramp, 1605 Fort Hamer Road, closes Monday for nine months as part of park and boat ramp improvement projects.

A gate will be installed on Fort Hamer Road, just south of the access road to the rowing facility, to block access to the boat ramp.

Planned for the park are the addition of parking spaces and lighting, and a new plaza between the boat house and restrooms.

A complete renovation of the boat ramp is planned for the nine-month closure that begins Monday.

The boat house and floating dock will be accessible throughout the projects.

As an alternative to Fort Hamer, Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources staff recommend boaters use Highland Shores boat ramp at 353 Shore Drive in Ellenton and the Braden River launch at 3020 Manatee Ave. E.

Gator Grading and Paving of Palmetto is the contractor for the $1 million project to improve the park.

Fort Hamer Park is located just to the west of the $32.69 million Fort Hamer Bridge and road project, which is due to be completed in early 2017.

This story was originally published January 25, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Fort Hamer boat ramp closes Monday, Jan. 25, for nine months ."