A brand new launch for canoes and kayaks, specially designed for ease of use by people with disabilities will be dedicated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, June 25th at 10:00 a.m. The location is Marquette Park in Gary at Miller Beach, near the historic Pavilion at 1 N. Grand Boulevard.
Until the invention of this innovative launch, it was difficult or impossible for people with disabilities to participate independently in water recreation like canoeing and kayaking. The launch will make it much easier to get small boats in and out of the water—for both people with disabilities and people without disabilities.
The launch in Gary, compliant with the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), is only the third of its kind in the entire state of Indiana.
The acquisition and installation of the launch was a collaboration of Causes for Change International (CCI), the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association (NWIPA,) and Access Miller Neighborhood Spotlight, and the City of Gary. The various organizations, united under the banner of the Barrier-Free Beach 2020 Planning Committee, got the project got underway in November of 2015.
Major funding for the launch, in the amount of $25,000, was provided, in yet another demonstration of its commitment to the city of Gary, by the Legacy Foundation. Other significant funding was provided by the Miller Community Fund, Mortar Net Solutions, and, through a GoFundMe account established for the purpose, many generous individuals.