COMMUNITY NEWS

Attention paddlers, kayakers and canoers!

Blueway Trails water event to start, finish at Bay Park; Eco tour of South Shore

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Recreational paddlers can really make a splash on June 4 by bringing their own kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards to the inaugural paddle from Bay Park to Hewlett Point Park and back. This is a no-fee day at Bay Park, which will have just completed installation of its ADA-compliant launches for non-motorized boating.

There will also be a formal dedication ceremony hosted by Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, Senator Todd Kaminsky and other local leaders. Following the dedication, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony and the unveiling of Blueway Trail Signage. In addition, a waterproof South Shore Blueway Trail Map, sponsored by Suez Water, will be available at the ceremony.

“We supported the project from its inception to the big grand opening,” said Rob Weltner, president of Operation SPLASH. “We think it’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone to experience the waterways from a low view at a nice idle pace. When you’re paddling you are much closer to the water and tend to appreciate it more.” Welter added that people can see how diverse the salt marshes are, and how much life depends on them. “It’s a sky-sea thing, and everything is dependent on another. We hope it gives people a sense of appreciation. If they appreciate it, they’ll take care of it. People protect what they love.”

There will also be an Eco Tour of the salt marshes, led by marine biologist Kevin Rodgers. In addition, the public is invited to enjoy family kayaking, kayak fishing, watch SUP demos and attend kayak safety clinics. Exhibitors will feature some of the South Shore’s unique attractions.

About the Blueway

The South Shore Blueway is made up of 22 launches and landings that provide safe, easily reached water access for human-powered boaters to explore the western bays of the South Shore Estuary Reserve and experience its beauty visiting its numerous parks, historic sites, natural areas, and attractions.

Visitors can discover the unique characteristics and abundant wildlife by sweeping through salt marsh islands on quiet creeks and channels where migratory shorebirds nest, harbor seals haul out and tiny bay houses of shell fishers stand on stilts above the wetlands.

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