Paddleboats coming to Copper Sky lake

By next Valentine’s Day, a date on the lake with your sweetie — without leaving Maricopa — will be a new option.

City staff are planning to install a floating pier and paddleboats at the Copper Sky lake in the coming months, according to documents obtained in a public records request.

Crews are already working to install an observation pier on the west side of the lake. According to an email from City Manager Rick Horst, once this is completed, the “floating pier will be added to accommodate paddle boats.”

Incoming City Manager Ben Bitter mentioned the pier would not be used for fishing.

What we know about the boats

The city is bringing eight paddle boats — six four-passenger boats and a pair of two-passenger boats — will set sail on their maiden voyages from that future pier, according to the emails.

The city may purchase boats from Aquacycle, a Michigan-based manufacturer of paddle and pontoon boats. Two models the city confirmed are under consideration include the Aqua Cycle II, which seats up to four passengers, and the Aqua Cycle 15, which can seat two.

There is no estimated timeline yet for when boats can be rented or how much residents can expect to pay.

Budgeting for the boats is included in this fiscal year’s $800,000 Copper Sky enhancement projects, which may include interior improvements, outdoor seating and entertainment options.