Friendship Park in Smithfield, Ohio, will open the new adaptive launch to the public in a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 11:00 am.
The Coast Guard Flotilla 082-07-02 will be available from 9:00 – 11:00 am for complementary vessel inspections with a safety class beginning at 10:00 am. The ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 11:00 am with festivities continuing through 2:00 pm.
Food will be provided by Crossroads Christian Church Wintersville, Ice Cream Island food truck will be on-site, and raffle tickets for a chance to win a kayak donated by Friends of Smithfield will be sold for $10 each. The drawing will be held at 2:00 pm with proceeds benefiting the Paddle Sports Program at the park.
On December 14, 2023 Jefferson County Commissioners approved the purchase of a nearly $75,000 adaptive kayak launch to be engineered by BoardSafe Dock Systems and installed at Friendship Park using American Rescue Plan funds. The adaptive launch provides safe means to launch paddle craft vessels making the lake more accessible for those with and without physical impairments.
For more information visit the Friendship Park District page on Facebook or email friendshippark@jeffersoncountyoh.com.