GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – People in downtown Green Bay might have noticed some recent work going on along the river near Leicht Park.
Public Works Director Steve Grenier says they’re providing mooring space along Leicht Park, as a cruise line in the Great Lakes has expressed interest in making Green Bay one of their destinations.
“They identified that Green Bay was an area they wanted to extend port of call rights to, and the area that made the most sense to have those cruise ships dock is in Leicht Park,” Grenier told WTAQ News. “With the cruise industry rebounding and starting to come back, we need to make sure that area is upgraded and provides safe and functional docking space so those ships can make port calls here in Green Bay.”
Grenier says things like cultural experiences with the Oneida Nation, obviously Lambeau Field, and even winery tours in Door County were mentioned as major draws.
“Typically, the ships come in early in the morning and depart in the evening and do their cruising at night while the people are sleeping thereby allowing them to utilize their daytime activities for excursions in the port cities,” Grenier said.
With the docking happening downtown, it could also prove to be another positive economic impact on that area – and beyond.
“I’ve personally been working with the cruise ship industry for in excess of six years, trying to get those ships here in Green Bay. So when the first cruise ship docks in Green Bay, I’ll probably be front row, center in welcoming that ship,” Grenier said.
Current plans to actually bring the ships to Green Bay are in the works.
