Boaters from the Nassau Bay Yacht Club, as well as countless others from upstream and downstream Clear Creek are facing setbacks following a proposal to construct a dock system on Clear Creek in Nassau Bay's David Braun Park.  The image below shows the proposed location for the new dock system, including the current adjacent no wake zones, as well as a sketch of the dock. Addition of this dock system will not only present a safety concern by introducing a boat docking location and kayakers to an already tight portion of the creek, but it will also require recreational boaters to reduce their wake to avoid damaging the dock.  Both of these issues will significantly impact the large boating community that enjoys Clear Creek.  This change will increase risk to those in the creek, add considerable time and effort to transit through Nassau Bay to Clear Lake and Galveston Bay, and destroy any recreational activities like water skiing in this portion of the creek. Boaters are already forced to navigate two other no wake zones adjacent to this section of Clear Creek, adding a dock structure here will be overly burdensome to those trying to transit nearby.

In addition to interfering with recreational boat traffic and activities the new dock system also poses a major risk of being destroyed by tides, currents, or storms. Adding this dock system exacerbates these challenges, without providing substantial benefits such as usage of the dock for kayak launching.  The city expects the dock will also be used for "water rescue operations" on Clear Creek, but based on past data this need is predicted to be minimal to non-existent. This dock system is unnecessary in this location and its potential consequences far outweigh its benefits. 

Development of a dock system would far better serve the community in an existing location such as the boardwalk on Upper Bay road in Nassau Bay, where structures would not only already be in an established no wake zone and protected from environmental dangers, but also enable access to larger, more desirable portions of Clear Lake and Clear Creek.

We urge Nassau Bay City Council and the Parks Committee to consider these consequences and the impact on the boating community. Our objective is not to hinder progress, but to ensure it does not come at the expense of the local boating community. In light of these concerns, I call upon all who value responsible and considerate policy planning geared towards the benefit of the community to sign this petition. Let's work together to stop the unnecessary installation of this dock system on Clear Creek. 

Please send any questions or supportive comments to nassaubayboatersassociation@gmail.com