Deputy City Administrator Sam Taylor responds to McGruber's concerns re: kayak launch near East Tubbs Hill Park:

• Original comment: Walkabout: Wrong spot for kayak launch/HucksOnline

I've explained here prior that City staff with Welch Comer Engineers did seek to plan this project for Independence Point, however there were some logistical issues that we believe the community would not have supported. Folks should recall that it's not as simple as saying there's parking there. We'd have to remove the already limited parking there in order to get space for the required sloping for ramps and other amenities to ensure those with disabilities can actually utilize what might go there. In order to ensure we retained parking, we looked at having to add more back ... behind the museum building. This would have meant more concrete/asphalt and removing green space along with some grand scale trees. We didn't think the community would support that, considering the local passion for trees here. That parking would also be further away from the launch itself, which would disincentive use by those with disabilities.

In terms of the 3rd Street launch, it's plausible, however staff believes there might be too many conflicts between folks launching motorized vessels in that space and it might just upset various user groups.

The east side launch has adequate space to build the necessary facilities (the paved path to get people to the beach and the proposed launch). Parking would be close enough to make this more feasible for people with disabilities. More here (including McGruber's comment).

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