Clarendon, PA -  Chapman State Park is now home to a new ADA-accessible kayak launch, officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, July 11th. 

The dock was made possible by an anonymous donation through the Friends of Chapman State Park, a nonprofit that formed less than a year ago and is already making a visible impact. The launch was purchased from a vendor in Grand Island, New York.

Park Manager Michael Plish said the new addition is all about accessibility.

"I think this is going to be a great addition to the park and will give a large number of visitors the ability to get into the water," Plish said. "This addition really shows how partnerships can happen when you reach out and work together and we here at Chapman State Park are very excited to be a part of this collaborative effort."

Members of the Friends of Chapman State Park were on hand for the celebration, which drew park staff, local supporters, and paddling enthusiasts.

"This is so exciting and has been a long time coming for our area," stated Jayne Karges, Chairperson of Friends of Chapman State Park. "That someone from the public would step forward and help us out with this donation - it is such an incredible gift. It's going to help an awful lot of people enjoy the park."

"Yes, it really will allow a lot of people who previously couldn't enjoy the lake, the ability to get out on the water," added Jill Stoltz, Vice-Chairperson of Friends of Chapman State Park. "It really is phenomenal, and we are all taken aback by this effort and generosity. We are so excited to have this for the community."

The kayak launch is open to the public and ready for use.

Looking ahead, the Friends of Chapman State Park are planning a benefit 6K trail run this fall on September 20th, to raise funds for more improvements like this one.

More information on the Friends of Chapman State Park, can be found here.