A E R I A L P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F M U N S O N M A R I N E ; T O P R I G H T C O U R T E S Y O F V I S I T M C H E N R Y C O U N T Y; R I V E R W A L K P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F M C H E N R Y R I V E R W A L K .O R G
Marinas — like Munson Marine’s riverfront location on the Fox River in McHenry, Illinois — don’t just make boating easier; they are also an essential part of the boating experience and lifestyle.
water is the next step for us, and it’s just going to enhance everything we do.” Abandoned for 11 years, the marina was quite run-down when the previous owner purchased it and installed concrete docks. Those new docks, a shuttered showroom sorely in need of renovation, and a lone porta-potti greeted the Munsons when they became the new owners. “The docks are just beautiful, and we’re going to have room for approximately 100 slips for boats up to 30 feet,” Munson says. “We’re renovating the showroom, adding new key-coded bathrooms with showers, and building a sales and service center. We’re also going to have a pro shop with beachwear, surfwear and gifts.” Other improvements will include a new boat launch, electric and water at select slips, a fuel dock, and fresh parking lots and landscaping. The Munsons anticipate the new bathrooms and pro shop will be open by April 15. The sales and service facilities should be open in mid-July. The dealership sells Malibu Boats, as well as Chaparral, Robalo, Axis and Bennington Pontoons. Munson notes that final plans for the grand opening will be dependent on the COVID-19 public health climate, and they will share further announcements later in the spring. Building a destination and a community The facility is only one part of the equation. The contemporary boating lifestyle also prizes convenience and access. “Convenience is key,” Munson agrees. “We’re going to offer in/out service, which means you can keep your boat inside at our facility, and we’ll
launch it and haul it out. Through our concierge service, we’ll fill it with fuel, pop, ice and snacks, and we can wipe it down and detail it for you.” Also important? Location, location, location. “We’re near the McHenry Riverwalk, so we’re close to awesome boat-in restaurants and entertainment,” Munson says. “The downtown concerts are just on the other side of the bridge. People using our marina are going to be within easy reach of so many great destinations.” One of those destinations will be the marina itself. The family plans to add a pool within the next two years, which will allow them to host special events with themes, food trucks and plenty of outdoor fun. “We want to bring people together, creating our own community,” Munson explains. For boaters with limited time who still seek to make memories on the water with family and friends, this is a leap forward. Not only can a marina make boating easier and more accessible, it can be an essential part of the experience. ★
HEATHER STEINBERGER is an award-winning writer/ editor who has specialized in boating, travel and outdoor adventure for more than 20 years.
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A P R I L 2021
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