Adaptive kayak launch added at Montour Preserve to help more people access Lake Chillisquaque

​​The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association and Montour Area Recreation Commission collaboratively installed a new adaptive kayak launch at Montour Preserve's Lake Chillisquaque on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024.

The launch, which updates the previous boat dock, was made possible thanks to a grant from the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds and funding from the Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership effort via the 1994 Charles B. Degenstein Foundation. 

"Adaptive kayak launches allow people who may have physical limitations or emotional fears to access the lake by using a special chute and bench system that cradle a kayak or canoe and make it much easier to get in and out," said Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky. "This launch will allow people to engage with our resources in ways they couldn't before. To my knowledge, this is the only adaptive launch within an 80- to 90-mile radius from this area. We are excited to offer programs using this system to inspire more people to connect with our aquatic ecosystem."

"The Montour Area Recreation Commission is extremely pleased to add this great new resource at the Montour Preserve," added Bob Stoudt, Director of the Montour Area Recreation Commission. "This project addresses a long overdue maintenance challenge while allowing visitors of all ability levels to better experience the beauty of Lake Chillisquaque."

The adaptive kayak launch was built specifically for the lake by BoardSafe, located in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, with the following features:

• ADA-Compliant Gangway: Ensuring ease of access for individuals with mobility aids such as wheelchairs.
• Kayak Chute: Facilitating a smooth and safe entry of kayaks and canoes into the water.
• An Adaptive Kit with a Step-Down Boarding Bench: This allows users to guide themselves down a slightly-sloped, 4-step bench to transfer into their kayak or canoe with a minimal drop into their vessel.
• Overhead Grab Bars, Grab Straps, and Side Pull Bars: Additional supportive features that assist users during boarding and disembarking their vessels, and enhance safe and stable entry and exit, to and from the water.

A video showing how the launch can help someone who has physical limitations get from a car into a kayak can be viewed here.

​"We are thrilled to introduce the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch to Montour Preserve," said Scott Tihansky, Design Engineer at BoardSafe. "Our goal is to break down barriers and ensure everyone can access and enjoy paddling on the water, regardless of ability. This launch is a game-changer and provides a safe and user-friendly platform for individuals with varying needs to experience the thrill of kayaking and canoeing."

Specific programs will be offered in the near future involving the kayak launch. For updates on these programs, please watch www.vernalschool.org/the-programs.html

"This launch is another example of how we continue to make progress at the Montour Preserve by partnering with various groups and tacking projects to help connect more people with our natural resources in exciting new ways," said Zaktansky. "We encourage anyone who would like to be involved to reach out." 

Some additional improvements will be added soon to the launch, including bumpers for added protection for both the dock and boats/boaters. 

Check out the WNEP TV coverage of the launch by clicking here.

Editorial in The Daily Item newspaper: Adaptive kayak dock launches array of benefits

Provide feedback about the Montour Preserve, what you'd like to see at the facility, by filling out our online survey.

Stoudt can be contacted via email at [email protected]. Zaktansky can be emailed at [email protected]. Marissa Crames, Program Supervisor at the Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership, can be emailed at [email protected].