Photo by Eric Ayres Wheeling City Councilwoman Connie Cain and City Manager Robert Herron attend Tuesday night’s meeting, council’s first regular meeting of the new year.

WHEELING — Officials in the city of Wheeling on Tuesday night approved legislation that will allow a private company to bring new recreational opportunities to the Ohio River during boating seasons.

Council members voted unanimously to approve a resolution authorizing City Manager Robert Herron to further negotiate and execute a lease with Joseph Bonds and Tripps Fun Zone for portions of parcels of land located at the Wheeling Island Marina to be used for recreational purposes.

“This is a private sector initiative to create a private kayak and pontoon rental — as well as rental of other equipment associated with using the river,” Herron explained. “It’s a small area to the left of the boat launch as you’re looking at it towards the back channel.”

Tripps Fun Zone has operated a local party rental business in the Ohio Valley for many years. The business offers inflatables, tents, games, dunk tanks, concession stands and more for rent to use at birthday parties, school events, corporate gatherings, church festivals, backyard celebrations and other occasions.

This newly proposed venture — called Wheeling Water Sports — will utilize city property at the Wheeling Island Marina for renting equipment to those wishing to enjoy outdoor activities on the water.

The resolution approved Tuesday night will authorize a five-year lease with the option to renew at the city’s discretion. The property will be leased at a yearly rate.

“The lease for this year will be for a nominal amount, and hopefully this business will be a success going forward,” Herron said.

Councilman Ben Seidler, who represents the Ward 2 neighborhood of Wheeling Island, noted that he supported the venture. Seidler, who resides on Wheeling Island and has been known to be a boating enthusiast, asked the city manager about the anticipated setup of the water sports rental facility since the property is located in a flood zone.

“We can’t put a permanent structure in that area,” Herron noted, indicating that only temporary structures can be utilized for the business’s rental facilities.

“I would say that this is a great idea,” Seidler said. “We’ve invested a lot of money down there at the marina over the last few years. Obviously, we have new docks down there, and we’ve also put a new kayak and canoe launch down there. Our marina is a really busy place in the summer, and I think this is going to be a great addition.”

In April of 2024, a federal disaster was declared after the Ohio River crested just below 42 feet in Wheeling. Swelling flood waters and floating debris flowed over Wheeling Island, washing away the docks that had been anchored in the back channel of the river at the marina. The city and local contractors worked to bring new docks to the Wheeling Island Marina by the start of that summer.

A public hearing on the proposed lease of property at the Wheeling Island Marina was held at the beginning of Tuesday night’s Wheeling City Council meeting, but no one signed up to speak on the matter.

City officials noted that new recreational opportunities on the river will be a welcome addition in the new year.

“This being the first meeting of 2026, I just want to make sure that on behalf of council, we wish all the citizens and our staff a very happy and prosperous new year,” said Wheeling Mayor Denny Magruder.

“I just want to say Happy New Year, and we are ready to roll in 2026,” Councilwoman Connie Cain added.