“Necessity is the mother of invention.” – Albert Einstein
That quote perfectly captures the spirit behind a new addition to Lakewood Park on Devils Lake’s Creel Bay — a state-of-the-art wheelchair lift designed to open the joys of boating and fishing to everyone, regardless of physical ability. Thanks to the tireless vision of Wheelchairs and Walleyes founder Jeff Gooss, and the deeply personal commitment of local leaders, Devils Lake is now home to one of the few such accessible lake launches in the Midwest.
A Personal Mission Turned Public Milestone
For Suzie Kenner, Executive Director of Devils Lake Chamber and Tourism, the lift is more than just infrastructure — it’s a tribute to her late father, Merle Baisch, whose determination to fish despite severe injuries inspired the idea for the local project.
“After a horrible motorcycle accident, Dad broke shoulders, arms, legs, rib and more, but after some healing, still wanted to fish,” Kenner recalls. “With the help of local guide, Johnnie Candle, it took over an hour to get him in and out of the boat. It was the trip of a lifetime that would be our last together. After that experience, I knew there had to be a better way for people with mobility challenges to get in and out of a boat.”
A chance discovery a year or two later of a wheelchair lift in Beulah, ND set the wheels in motion. Suzie reached out to Gooss, who had already been working to make lake access more inclusive. Together, they mobilized a community-wide effort that raised $190,000 through the support of 14 local and regional clubs and organizations.
Driven by Inclusion, Engineered for Independence
Gooss, based in Hazen, ND, had no personal connection to disability but couldn’t shake the question: “How would someone in a wheelchair get in a boat?” Rather than wait for an answer, he created one.
Working with AE2S Engineers and Superior Walls of North Dakota, Gooss turned a sketch into a fully ADA-compliant, solar-powered high-lift chair system. The first unit was installed in Beulah Bay on Lake Sakakawea in 2024. Devils Lake is now proudly part of that growing legacy — which includes new installs in Hazen and Lake Minnetonka, MN, and plans underway for New York, South Dakota, and Montana.
“This is something that doesn’t need to be sold. It simply makes lives better,” Gooss said. “Especially for our wounded vets and wheelchair users.”
Built by the Community, For the Community
The Devils Lake Wheelchairs and Walleyes Project was powered by generosity and collaboration. Funding and in-kind support came from a wide range of groups, including:
- Devils Lake Park District
- Devils Lake Tourism
- Lake Region Anglers Association
- VFW / DLDV / Camp Grafton
- Devils Lake Joint Water Resource Board
- Devils Lake Kiwanis Club
- KLJ
- Friends of Randy Meyer
- Garrison Diversion Grant
- Blue Water Consulting
- Close Construction
- Lake Region Sportsmens Club
- Devils Lake Youth Activities
- Heartland Ready Mix
- Abe’s Excavating
- Gowan Construction, and many others
The lift system, located about a block from the boat access, is designed for easy loading and launching without impeding other users. Features include an Aqua Creek high-lift chair, solar charger, head and leg rest, chest and lap straps, extra battery, and a winterized cover, all built into a permanent concrete base. Also included on the structure is a wheelchair platform lift and a wheelchair-accessible ramp. ADA-compliant restroom upgrades and adult-sized changing tables will also be part of the site improvements later this summer.
Honoring a Legacy
Kenner’s father passed away in 2024, but his spirit is alive in the project’s name: The Merle Baisch Memorial Wheelchair Ramp. The honor was chosen by the Wheelchairs and Walleyes board in recognition of his deep roots in the Hazen-Beulah area and his passion for helping others as a police officer in the Minot ND area for over 25 years.
Celebrate the Launch – June 8
The public is invited to attend the official dedication on Sunday, June 8, from 8:30 to 9:00 AM at Lakewood Park. The day will also feature a Children’s Charity Fishing Tournament starting at 9:00 AM, pairing 15 youth in wheelchairs with 15 pro anglers, followed by a Children’s Mobility Day Festival from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Families can enjoy bounce houses, face painting, games, food, slushies, and the excitement of watching fish weighed and trophies awarded — all at no cost. The public is welcome to attend.
Click here for more information on the June 8 event.
For more details on this project or upcoming events, visit DevilsLakeND.com or WheelchairsAndWalleyes.com. To connect directly, reach out to Jeff Gooss at 701-880-2609 or Suzie Kenner 701-662-4903.