Immediate Release Contact: David Chauvin
June 9, 2005 (516) 869-7794
North Hempstead to Provide Kayak Launching Site
At Town Dock
Port Washington, NY - Supervisor Jon Kaiman and Councilman Fred L. Pollack announced recently that the Town Board voted unanimously to authorize the use of the Town Dock for kayaking.As part of the approval, the Town will purchase a floating walkway for use as a kayak launching site. The walkway is 5 feet wide and 20 feet long and will provide an ideal launching site for kayakers to enjoy the Town’s waters.
“I would like to thank everyone involved with this project,” said Supervisor Kaiman.“The Town of North Hempsteadis always looking for ways to improve our parks and facilities and this new kayak launch will make a great facility even better.”
“Water lovers from all over the Town will now find it easier to kayak on the Bay,” said Councilman Pollack, “If there is enough interest in utilizing the Town Dock for kayaking, we will explore ways to expand this site.” He added.
“We’re delighted we have a beautiful Bay out here and it’s very important to this town. Kayaking has become a very popular sport and it’s environmentally sound,” added Edna Turner, Moderator of the Port Washington Kayak Club.“We needed a good place to launch from that was safe and that wasn’t impeding on anybody else. So we’re delighted that the Town of North Hempsteadhas allowed us to put on these attachments to the docks. It’s really a delightful thought and we’re thankful.”
John Thomson, III, who owns a kayak shop in Port Washington, helped the Town design the launching site. “We’re trying a couple of approaches to get the kayak launch in to see what kind of interest there is for it,” he said, noting that he expects a high demand for the site. “Manhasset Bay is a wonderful harbor and an excellent place to go kayaking for families.”
“While I myself am too old to kayak, I know how popular this sport is for so many people in Port Washington and in the Town of North Hempstead,” added Myron Blumenfeld, former Chairman of the Long Island State Park Commission.“We hope this will be one of many launching pads on Manhasset Bay and Hempstead Harbor.”
The Town Dock, which is located on Main Street, provides residents with an opportunity to moor boats and fish from the pier.The dock is equipped with a pump out station and residents can also walk the pier with a beautiful view of Hempstead Harbor. The Town Dock also serves as the Harbor Patrol Headquarters. For more information on the Town Dock or moorings please call (516) 327-3110. For information regarding the Harbor Patrol please call (516) 767-4622.