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SMITHFIELD -- Friendship Park officials are ready to officially unveil their new adaptive launch with a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. May 18.
"We are excited to add this amenity to the park and make the lake more accessible," said Judy Henthorn, park commissioner. "We are already seeing an increase in park attendance from this addition (and) are pleased the commissioners saw the importance and potential of this project and provided the funding to make it possible."
In December, the county commissioners voted unanimously to pick up the tab for the $75,000 adaptive launch, engineered by BoardSafe Dock Systems and installed at the 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, though commissioners also said it aligned with their stated goal of creating more recreational outlets for people in Jefferson County.
Henthorn described it as a "citizen-driven project and encouraged the public to get involved with the park."
Wayne Township resident Jennifer Simms had approached commissioners in August to request funding for the project, which she said was badly needed. At the time board President Roger Hilty had said an ADA-complaint launch would make it significantly easier for individuals with physical disabilities to enjoy the lake, though kayakers, canoers and even paddleboarders could use the floating launch.
Simms, Friendship Park's paddle sports program coordinator, said she saw it "as an opportunity to introduce the residents of Jefferson County and the surrounding area to the beauty of Friendship Park."
"It was important to have something adaptive for those with physical limitations and I'm excited through the support of the park, commissioners and community, that it was able to happen."
She said they're already working on a schedule of paddle sports events to be held at the park in the future.
Activities and opportunities scheduled for the ribbon-cutting include:
• The ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. with festivities continuing through 2 p.m.
• The Coast Guard Flotilla 082-07-02 will be available from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for complementary vessel inspections, with a safety class beginning at 10 a.m.
• Food will be provided by Crossroads Christian Church Wintersville and the Ice Cream Island food truck will be on-site.
• Park patrons will have a chance to purchase tickets for $10 each for a chance to win a kayak donated by Friends of Smithfield, with all proceeds benefiting the Paddle Sports Program at the park. The drawing will be held at 2 p.m.
For more information visit the Friendship Park District page on Facebook or email friendshippark@jeffersoncountyoh.com.