Alex Russell’s memory will continue to live on in Charleston even after the fishing derby has ended.

The city has plans to honor Alex Russell with a new pavilion and a handicap accessible fishing pier at Lake Charleston.

The new facilities will combine Alex’s passion for fishing with his wife Joy’s background in special education.

“It really ties in with both Alex and Mrs. Russell,” said Brian Jones, director of parks and recreation.

After the death of her husband, Joy Russell wanted to find a way to honor his memory and his contribution to Charleston. She began working with city manager Scott Smith, who served as director of parks and recreation at the time, to develop a plan.

Smith knew of Russell’s passion for fishing and the Charleston community, so he recommended doing something at Lake Charleston. The idea developed from there, Joy said.

Curt Devore, city maintenance and parks supervisor, took on the idea and shared his vision of how he envisioned a pavilion and pier, said Joy. She said she has received much support from the city on the project.

“I’m very excited, honored and pleased that the city has gotten behind this,” she said. “I think Alex would be very pleased and honored.”

A drawing of the plans for the pavilion and pier will hopefully be prepared on time to be displayed at Saturday’s Alex Russell Memorial Kids Fishing Derby, Jones said.

“We’re hoping in the next year or two to have it built so we can have it up,” said Jones.

Joy said that even though the city has been very generous with their donations, donations from the public would be greatly appreciated as well.

People wishing to make donations can make them through the Parks and Foundation Board, Jones said. All donations are tax deductible.