CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Forest Preserves of Cook County held a ceremony Saturday at Busse Woods, in Elk Grove Village, where there’s an accessible launch for kayaks and canoes suitable for people with disabilities.
The launch at Busse Woods actually opened last year, but the ceremony was postponed due to the pandemic.
"Everybody should be able to enjoy the benefits of being outside and in the natural world," said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. "At the Forest Preserves, we've made a commitment to increase opportunities available to individuals with disabilities."
The General Superintendent of the Forest Preserves, Arnold Randall, also attended the ceremony.
"This kayak and canoe launch is a great new addition to this site, especially because it has been designed with accessibility in mind; design features like a paved path to the landing and a stable and firm surface all the way to the water's edge to make it easier for anyone to use this launch. But for our visitors with disabilities, these features might be the difference between going out in the water or just staying at home," Randall said.
Monica Voss, with Adaptive Adventures, said "we are so excited for this new, accessible kayak launch. We have a weekly program here at Busse Woods where we bring our adaptive kayaks out, which are actually fitted for people with disabilities; so we take them kayaking."
Gary Arnold, Program Director at Progress Center for Independent Living, said as a disabled person and as someone who works for an organization that works with disabled people, "I applaud the Forest Preserve for the efforts to make the preserves more disability-friendly and inclusive of people with disabilities."
There is information regarding accessibility throughout the Forest Preserves on their website, and paddlers do not need their own kayaks or canoes.
Related
