Geneva Waterfront Planning Input

[kelshipman]

Hey Sailors, Happy New Year!

There may be an opportunity to schedule a meeting with the waterfront developer, regarding the design and function of an improved "hand launch" small craft launch area on the NW area of the lake.

If anyone is interested and willing to serve, please contact me through here or email at [e-mail]. As soon as we get a few people that can represent the windsurf/kite community, as well as kayakers, SUPs, etc, we will set up the meeting.

Thanks

Kel

[rxbob]

Kel:

I believe our input will make a difference in the planning process and the timing is perfect.

[kelshipman]

Update on the group effort at Seneca Lake

RxBob and Brad M. had initiated some discussion with Park Officials which led to an invite to come and meet with them. The Park Manager also invited the Regional Director for the Finger Lakes Region.

Last week, H2O Rick, JGordon and Lynn D all took the time out of their busy schedule to trek to Geneva on a blustery day for the benefit of everyone in our group.

The primary objectives were to:
1) Build a good working relationship with Park Officials
2) Secure continued support for lake access through the State Park for Windsurfers, Kiteboarders, Kayakers, and other Hand Launched Personal Watercraft (SUP, etc.)

Prior to the meeting, 8 members of this forum collaborated on some written material to help guide the discussion. It consisted of an explanation of how members of our group use current launch sites and how we might improve launches and work with park officials.

Summary from the meeting:

The Park will consider adding signs in the future with arrows directing patrons to the end of the park for launching Hand Launched Personal Watercraft.

Kiteboarding
The Kiting Launch is the beach area extending south to the little point just south of the bathroom building. The Park will remove some of the sapling trees along the shore in addition to minor grading down to the high water line. The current Kite launch can still be used on days that beach traffic is low, the additional area can be used when the swimming beach is being used and or busy. This was an excellent outcome because it will preserve the use of the park for Kiteboarders even on busy days, provided that our group continues to be respectful of park rules and other patrons.

Windsurfing
The Park supports continued use of a park launch at the end of the south parking lot across from the marina docks. Rig on the grass between the parking lot and the walking path. Launch will be at the area where an old concrete pad (current spot) is located. The Park plans to raise the canopy of the trees there and create a rigid entrance (steps) utilizing the concrete pad as the mid-level and adding timbers above and below to create steps.

Kayaks, Canoes, SUPs
A floating dock was in the planning stages for handicap boat access just south of the windsurfing parking lot to the right of the flag pole. The Park plans to add a Kayak and Canoe rack in this location.

The Park Officials came away with a much better insight on what we do and how we use the park and the water.

Thanks again to Rick, Jason and Lynn for taking the time and making the trip. And thank you to everyone who helped put the presentation material together and initiate the discussions!

[kitenerd]

To Kel and everyone involved with this effort -- thanks for all your work on this and being great ambassadors for our sport. This is a model for what can be accomplished through cooperation and being proactive. Seneca is my favorite place to ride locally and I am stoked that we will be able to keep access to this great spot. Let's all make sure to respect the rules and keep a good thing going.