Handicap-Accessible Kayak Launch Installed At Rockland Park

A new feature at Haverstraw Bay County Park will provide Rockland residents with an easier way to gain access to the Hudson River.

Haverstraw Bay Park is one of the most popular parks in Rockland County, averaging 125,000 visitors annually. The boat launch averages 700 trailered launches a year and is the most used in Rockland.

Now people for whom launching a boat is physically difficult will be able to join them.

On July 11, County Executive Ed Day, Environmental Resources Coordinator Allan Beers, Director of the Office for People with Disabilities Jacki Scott and representatives of the Helen Hayes Hospital Adapted Sports and Recreation Program celebrated the opening of the new Handicapped Accessible Kayak Launch and replacement docks.

“Here in Rockland we are making it a focus to expand accessibility and offerings for all our residents,” said Day in an announcement. “I am proud of the work done by our Department of Environmental Resources on this project and fully expect that with the help of Office for People with Disabilities we will see many more projects like this around the County.”

The $167,755 project replaced the aging wooden docks with marine grade structural composite lumber and added a Universal Accessible Kayak Launch.

“When we were planning for the replacement of the original docks, we reached out to the Helen Hayes Adaptive Sports & Recreation Program and asked them to advise us on what design would work best for those residents with special needs,” said Beers. “As a result of their input, we have a fully accessible floating docks system complete with an Adaptive Kayak launch which can be used by all residents, but is especially useful for those with special needs.”

The HHH Adapted Sports & Recreation Program is a four-season initiative serving individuals with a range of abilities, interests and skills. Leisure opportunities are an important component of an active and healthy lifestyle, fostering rehabilitation, recovery and camaraderie, and the Adapted Sports & Rec Program is dedicated to offering a range of recreational and competitive events.

"Access to recreational activities is so important for individuals, like myself, who have suffered a disabling injury or illness. Often times, these individuals feel isolated or limited, and having the opportunity to participate in adaptive sports and recreation is not only important physically, but socially and mentally," said Helen Hayes Hospital Community Relations Specialist, Matthew Castelluccio. "We look forward not only to our Adapted Sports & Recreation Program and other community members taking advantage of this incredible accessible launch, but to continuing to work with the County of Rockland in a shared mission of increasing accessibility for all.”

The county received a $106,250 grant through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River Estuary Program. The remainder of the project funds came from the Rockland County Capital Budget with the oversight of the Facilities Management Department.