Clinton River Watershed Council outlines plan for accessible kayak launch in Mount Clemens

Amanda O'Barca, Watershed Planner with the Clinton River Watershed Council, presented the Watertowns placemaking initiative and a site-specific plan the council developed for Mount Clemens.

O'Barca said Watertowns' projects aim to connect people to waterways through recreation, green infrastructure, art and education. She described a two-phase approach for the proposed site: a cost-minimizing phase 1 that would build a 30-foot gangway and dock off the existing boardwalk and a phase 2 that would reconfigure adjacent street and parking to provide longer-term accessibility and parking improvements.

"Universal accessibility is not just about making the kayaking accessible for people with disabilities, but people of all abilities, all ages, all skills," O'Barca said, describing design features such as an accessible route to the launch, family-friendly restroom planning and kayak storage racks.

The council said it submitted a preliminary proposal tied to Patronicity crowdfunding and a Michigan Economic Development Corporation program that could match up to $50,000 if the community crowdfunds the same amount; the Watershed Council reported quick follow-up from MEDC contacts and a goal to install the Mount Clemens launch in spring 2017.

Commissioners asked about maintenance and obstructions in the waterway; O'Barca said the watershed council can work with city public works, bring volunteer groups, and has partnered with corporate volunteer programs to address log jams and other clearing needs in the past.

O'Barca also mentioned that Mount Clemens and the City of Rochester were among the program's original Watertowns and that the 2015 DEQ Coastal Zone Management grant expanded planning and design for accessible launches across multiple communities in the watershed.