Handicap Kayak Launch Officially Opens in Wyandotte

After more than five years of planning and construction, a new handicap-accessible kayak launch opened Thursday at .

It's the first of its kind on the Detroit River.

City officials and others involved gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and to speak about the project. Those in attendance also had a chance to see a demonstration of how it will operate.

On the launch itself, which is solar-powered, the boat is automatically raised up to the proper level for user entry. The kayaker first sits on what is known as a “transfer station.” An additional piece, powered by hydraulics, then slides out over the seating area and allows the user to move down into the kayak.

The handicap launch is the result of a joint venture between the city of Wyandotte and , a store owned by Patrick and Tiffany VanDehey.

The store received initial funding through a grant from the GreenWays Initiative of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan.

Randall Ross, the group’s manager of philanthropic services, said the handicap launch, which is the first on the Detroit River, is something that can benefit everyone in the area.

“Our mission, really, is to enhance the quality of life for southeast Michigan,” Ross said. “The goal (of the grant) was really to focus on recreational opportunities for everyone of all abilities.”

The city of Wyandotte agreed to fund the remaining costs of the project.

Wyandotte Mayor Joseph Peterson said having the launch would be a “boost” to the city.

“I really want to thank Riverside Kayak for having the insight to … utilize the waterfront,” Peterson said. “You will see our business pick up and boom because of the insight to have this handicap launch.” 

He said the additional traffic would be the result of kayak tournaments and other such events that can now be held in the city.

Anita Twardesky, an employee of Riverside Kayak Connection, said the close proximity of her store to the Detroit River is not the only reason they chose to put the launch in the city.

“Wyandotte has a great quality of life for their residents,” Twardesky said. “They embrace and know what’s good for the community and (understand) what’s good for recreation is good for their economic benefit.”  

Two of Wyandotte’s top public safety officials have recognized another use for the launch.

and said the launch would be used to help with water rescues.

Grant said it gives first responders easy access in and out of the water if someone falls or jumps in and needs to be rescued.

“When I heard this was going in, I thought this would be a great location,” Grant said. “It’s going to be a great tool for us also.”

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