MICHIGAN CITY | Indana's first handicapped accessible launch for canoes and kayaks is now in use at Michigan City.
The launch at Hansen Park along Trail Creek opened Sept. 11 and a ribbon cutting is scheduled at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Its use is not restricted to those in wheelchairs, though.
"Everybody can use it," said Shannon Eason, assistant superintendent of the Michigan City Park Department.
A handicapped parking area a short distance from the launch was added and so was a walking bridge wide enough for wheelchairs to easily cross on the way to the launch.
There are handrails for people to lift themselves out of their wheelchairs and onto a metal bench.
They're able to slide across the bench to more hand rails they grab to lower themselves to their canoe or kayak on the launch just below grade level.
The watercraft sits on about a dozen rollers and with more hand rails on both sides people can easily pull themselves into the water down a slight slope even with the water's surface.
According to officials, the launch stems from the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association contacting the Park Department in 2013 about the lack of recreational opportunities for physically challenged water enthusiasts.
Until now, people in a kayak or canoe had to push themselves into the water from a dirt or rocky bank, something physically impossible for people limited by handicaps and age.
"This system keeps you stable until you push out into the water," Eason said.
The launch is part of a $138,000 project that included putting in cement trails to the observation deck over the pond and all other amenities in the park, including the shelter and playground area.
Previously, there was just grass making it impossible for someone in a wheelchair to navigate throughout the park at 100 E. St. next to Blue Chip Casino.
A federal grant applied for by the Lake Michigan Coastal Program, a division of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, along with dollars from the city and redevelopment commission covered the expense.
The mission of the coastal program is improving the Lake Michigan watershed in northern sections of LaPorte, Porter and Lake counties, said Maggie Byrne, a program manager with the DNR.
"This is great even for people who are not as mobile who (want) the opportunity to get on the water," Byrne said.
Tim Frame, the city's harbormaster, said kayaking and canoeing seems to have increased over the years.
"I think overall it's a nice feature and if it's accessible for disabled people then that's all for the better," Frame said.