A Summer Night on the Water at Churchville Park

So many folks out on the water, enjoying this jewel!

Some nights just remind you why we do this work. On the evening of Tuesday, July 7, we spent a gorgeous summer evening on the west side at Churchville Park, and we’re still smiling about it.

More than 50 wonderful people came out to get to know the new BoardSafe adaptive kayak launch — and to discover that a beautiful stretch of water is now open to a whole lot more of us. They came from right across the road, and they came from Elmira, from Webster, from all over. That’s the thing about a launch like this: word travels, because the possibility it represents is exactly what so many families have been waiting for.

From playing together in one’s community to going across the miles to try out a new spot! That is the joy of accessible recreation!

What makes this night special

The launch does its job — a chair waits on the dock while its owner is out enjoying the water.

There were so many stories made tonight. A mother and son trying out kayaking for the first time together.

• A girl given the opportunity to paddle in her own seat for the first time, alongside nine others in her family, and cheered on by her grandparents.
• A woman who is returning to kayaking, seeking to find the solace and healing this passion of hers brings.
• A couple coming to see if kayaking might be for them.
• A woman who came to try kayaking also met artists.
• A woman discovering she may just go ahead and pursue kayaking again, even though she had stopped years ago.
• An avid outdoorswoman visiting from out of state, back in NY to spend a night on the water.
• A father and adult daughter seeking their next adventure together.
• Some who just came to see the new launch — and ended up trying it out for themselves.

That’s what an accessible launch makes possible.

RAA and Churchville Riga Chamber of Commerce wanted the community to know how to use the new BoardSafe adaptive kayak launch installed by Monroe County Parks last year. This event is part of RAA’s work to directly connect people to equipment and opportunities that are intentionally put into place so that people with and without disabilities can share experiences together.

Guests tried out adaptive kayak equipment that’s becoming more available across New York State through the Accessibility Education Program RAA works on with NYPA and NYS Canal Corporation. Gear such as outriggers, adjustable seatbacks for torso and head support, and paddle pedestals that enable one-handed paddling and support for fatigue or strength.

A family kayaking together — trying out the adaptive front seat for the first time.

More than a paddle
What I love about a night like this is that the kayaking is only half of it. People explored inclusive opportunities across the region, made real connections, and even jumpstarted a few brand-new friendships. Acquaintences discovered over a shared interest, not a diagnosis.

Over at the Stony Point Arts Studio & Gallery table, folks got to paint.

There were many calm moments too, the kind where you just soak up the beauty and let yourself be happy. The evening was the perfect blend of the shared beauty of people and nature.

First in line — and already dreaming about bringing this same idea back home.

One of my favorite moments: our very first guest in line, thrilled to try the equipment at such a beautiful spot, and already thinking about how to bring the same idea home to her own community. That’s how change spreads — one person at a time, carrying the possibility with them.

Welcome! Checking in for a night on the water.    

A Community Collaboration

This night happened because a community showed up for each other. My deep thanks to the Churchville Riga Chamber of Commerce for the partnership, and to every community partner who came out to welcome our guests alongside us:
• Stony Point Arts Studio & Gallery — for bringing the paint and the calm.
• Blue Heron Collective
• Erie Canal Boat Company
• Riga Recreation
• Roberts Wesleyan University — ARCH program
• Mustard’s Last Stand — thank you for the food truck!

A great summer night on the water.

In The News!

13WHAM stopped by to cover the launch and our night on the water — take a look:
• 13WHAM: “Churchville opens accessible kayak launch”
• 13WHAM photo gallery from the launch

Come find YOUR spot on the water

The launch at Churchville Park is here, it’s beautiful, and it’s ready for you. If you or someone you love has been waiting for a way onto the water, reach out to our DirectConnect team — we’ll help you find the equipment, the Inclusion Partners, and the places that are expecting you.

Let’s #MakeInclusionHappen together!