Winona Lake Limitless Park is to soon have an ADA kayak/canoe launch due in part to the Kiwanis Club of Warsaw providing funding for the project. This map shows where the launch, depicted in yellow, will be located. Photos provided.

News Release

WINONA LAKE — Those with special needs will soon have an easier time enjoying activities on Winona Lake.

Winona Lake Limitless Park (WLLP) and the Kiwanis Club of Warsaw have recently formed a partnership for the installation of an ADA kayak/canoe launch that will provide barrier-free access to Winona Lake.

In November 2020, WLLP was approached by Kiwanis Club president Jim Molebash and president-elect Brock Tidball regarding the concept of an accessible launch. They were excited to learn that one of the main phases of the WLLP master plan included upgrades to the beach and pier and the installation of an ADA kayak/canoe launch.

An adaptive kayak/canoe launch offers a safe and accessible way for adaptive paddlers, those in wheelchairs and those with disabilities to enter and exit a boat more easily. The launch will also provide stabilization for youth and senior citizen boaters.

An adaptive launch is not just for physical disabilities. In fact, paddling and being out in nature have been proven to help soothe post-traumatic stress disorder for veterans.

The WLLP conducts organized youth programs and activities, including paddle craft training, each summer. Installation of the kayak/canoe launch will create the potential expansion of these programs.

Kiwanis Warsaw has made a commitment of $8,000 to this project, via a $6,000 grant being awarded and an additional $2,000 from fundraising efforts. Kiwanis Indiana has made a commitment of $2,000.

That leaves $32,000 of the $42,000 cost of the project left to be raised.

Some of that will come from the Kiwanis Club’s annual 2022 Rose Sale. Through the sale, people may purchase a dozen roses for $18 via pre-ordering prior to March 10. They should contact any Kiwanis Club member or email [email protected] to place their order.

To help support the launch project or learn more information, contact Winona Lake Park Department Director Holly Hummitch at [email protected] or Molebash at [email protected].

After funding is secured, a ribbon-cutting ceremony is anticipated at Winona Lake’s annual July 4 celebration.

Shown from left are: Kiwanis Club of Warsaw President Jim Molebash and President-elect Brock Tidball, Winona Lake Park Department Director Holly Hummitch and Winona Lake Park Board President Kristie Maiers.

A rendering of what the launch will look like.