This New Kayak Launch Is Accessible To Everyone

MICHIGAN — A new kayak launch is making the Clinton River accessible to everyone.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at MacArthur Park in Mt. Clemens to celebrate the first universally accessible kayak launch installed on the Clinton River on June 20. The universal launch was built to improve accessibility to the Clinton River for all ages and skill levels, including paddlers with disabilities.

The kayak launch is part of WaterTowns, a community development initiative created in 2013 by the Clinton River Watershed Council (CRWC). It’s CRWC’s goal to implement twelve universally accessible canoe/kayak launches by 2020 through the WaterTown program, organizers said..

CRWC worked with the City of Mount Clemens and Macomb County to spearhead the $160,000 project. In addition to funds raised by CRWC from individuals and local businesses, the project received a grant through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Public Spaces Community Places program.

Organizers said this is the first program in the country where community donations to a program are matched by the State dollar for dollar, up to $50,000.

Simple Adventures, a local watersport rental company, will have a permanent post at the MacArthur Park launch all summer, offering kayak rentals.

To celebrate the ribbon cutting, the company will provide free kayak rentals the afternoon of June 20.

About the Clinton River Watershed

The Clinton River watershed covers 760 square miles through four counties (Macomb, Oakland, Lapeer, and St. Clair). Over 1.5 million people live in the 63 communities through which the Clinton River flows before reaching Lake St. Clair. CRWC is a non-profit organization that protects, enhances, and celebrates the Clinton River, its watershed, and Lake St. Clair. For more information, visit www.crwc.org.