BLANCHARDVILLE — Yellowstone Lake State Park has a new, universally accessible canoe and kayak launch area. It’s across from the picnic shelter, just east of the park office on Lake Road.
‘Universal’ means the launch is designed to expand access and enhance the boating experience for people of all abilities. The approach and parking space is paved for easy movement via wheelchair onto the floating dock. Instead of dragging canoes and kayaks to the lake’s edge and trying to jump in without grinding the boat against the bottom, users can now slide their boat into the floating dock’s open channel and neatly lower themselves in from the sturdy, anti-slip dock floor. They can hold onto the overhead bar to maneuver their body into the seat as well for extra safety.
Once settled in with a paddle, users should push against the dock with their hands to slide into the lake.
To disembark, boaters should paddle up to the floating dock’s channel, glide the boat to where they can reach the over-arching grab bar and haul themselves up onto the dock and to any mobility device they use.
Creating the state park’s new kayak and canoe launch area was a project of The Friends of Yellowstone Lake (FOYL), helped by a matching grant from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund. FOYL also received a generous donation for this project from Argyle’s American Legion Auxiliary Unit 251.
FOYL will celebrate the installment from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 17 at Yellowstone Lake. The public is invited. There will be refreshments, nature studies activities, games and crafts for the kids, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony will officially inaugurate the universal kayak launch.
Guests will be able to try out the floating dock with their own kayak or enjoy a free paddle in a loaner from the Yellowstone Boat Rental. This event will be one of many around the state celebrating the 125th anniversary of Wisconsin State Parks.
Friends of Yellowstone Lake State Park is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. They welcome new members, volunteers, and donations for future projects. FOYL, P.O. Box 44, Blanchardville, WI 53516. (608) 523-4427.
