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Albany,
NY – May 2024 / NewsmakerAlert: The
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation announces the recent opening of a new accessible
kayak launch at Glimmerglass
State Park in Cooperstown. The $50,000 project provides the public,
including people with mobility challenges, access to recreational kayaking
and car-top size boating on Otsego Lake.
“This
kayak launch illustrates the commitment of New York State Office of Parks,
Recreation and Historic Preservation to making our parks and historic sites
accessible to all New Yorkers, regardless of background or physical ability,”
said State Parks Central Region Director Duane
B. Owens.
Kayaks
and canoes can be difficult to get in and out of due to their instability.
The new dock provides an overhead grab bar to enhance stability for people
while entering and exiting the vessel. The launch, located near the park
beach, includes a hinged ramp in the water to better hold the vessel in
place before launching, as well as a low-scale stair that will allow wheelchair
users to lower themselves into the boat.
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Senator
Peter Oberacker said, “Local outdoor enthusiasts, along with those who
travel to Otsego County to enjoy our celebrated waterways and terrific
fishing, will benefit from the new boat launch at Glimmerglass State Park.
Canoeists, kayakers, and others have always enjoyed paddling on Otsego
Lake, and I am extremely pleased that state officials are responding to
requests to increase access for those of all abilities. Special thanks
to State Parks Central Region Director Duane Owens for responding to our
local sportspeople who have been strong advocates for this project.”
Shawn
Wood, park manager at Glimmerglass State Park, said, “The accessible
kayak launch is a part of Glimmerglass State Park’s ongoing commitment
to fostering inclusivity and promoting outdoor recreation for everyone.
We look forward to welcoming everyone to the new ADA kayak launch.”
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New
York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP)
oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf
courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in
2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.NY.gov,
download the free NY State
Parks Explorer app or call 518-474-0456. Join us in celebrating our
Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook,
Instagram, X
(formerly Twitter) and the OPRHP Blog.
Source
Document
Media
Contact:
Dan
Keefe
Public
Information Officer
518-486-1868
news@parks.ny.gov |