First of it’s kind in Wisconsin – lift to help disabled get into boats – coming to Columbia Park

A local man is teaming up with a North Dakota company to bring the first ever lift in Wisconsin, to help disabled or otherwise those who normally would have trouble getting into a boat.

Jeff Gooss of Wheelchairs & Walleyes out of Hazen, North Dakota was contacted by a local woman’s brother after he heard about the special lift that helps those unable to transfer from a dock to a boat. Chuck and Michelle Nelson had been unable to fish together in a boat when Michelle was left paralyzed after an injury several years ago. Michelle’s brother Scott Mills wanted to change this so he reached out to the company to see if one of their lifts could be built at Columbia Park on the east side of Lake Winnebago.

Not only did Mills spearhead the project, he also found the guy that could give it traction and see it to completion. That’s where Mike Goebel of Ultimate Angler Showdown comes in.

Goebel got all approvals from Fond du Lac County in place, as well as some engineers and surveyors to design the project as needed.

He says he picked Columbia Park, not only because it was most convenient for the Nelsons, but other factors had to be considered like steepness of existing boat ramps, Already in place handicap accessible parking and other accommodations.

Goebel says Columbia Park is just a start and he plans to install more of these not only on Lake Winnebago but Throughout the state with one already being planned in Green Bay.

What Goebel needs now he says are businesses and individuals that can offer services to build the lift.

“We’re hoping the people will come to us saying we’re willing to do this or that. We’re going to need some concrete guys, labor and materials. We don’t want just one company doing it all, we want multiple companies coming together to help the community. This project is looking to be completed by May of 2026 and if we can get enough funding or help, we may be able to get the one in Green Bay done at the same time.”

Wheelchairs and Walleyes along with Goebel did a trial run two weeks ago with a portable lift at the park with the Nelsons and another couple coming to test the lift. Goebel said seeing the tears of those being able to get in a boat again was on another level.

Goebel says if we can make a difference with these lifts here in Wisconsin or anywhere else in the country, that’s what we’re gonna do.

To learn more about the project or to offer funds or services, you can contact Goebel at the Facebook Page Ultimate Angler Showdown.