Irvington Seeks to Improve Kayaking

IRVINGTON, N.Y. -- Kayaking took center stage at the Irvington Senior Center Thursday night, as village officials and residents discussed how they could improve and promote the recreation’s presence in Irvington.

More than 30 people from the community showed up to the meeting, where Irvington Recreation and Parks Supervisor Joe Archino outlined two potential kayaking projects the village was considering.

There have been efforts “trying to take advantage of this fabulous geographic area” with kayaking, Irvington Business Improvement Committee Chair Nikki Coddington said.

Kayaking is so appealing in the area, she said, because Irvington has two access points to the Hudson. Coddington said she hoped the meeting would energize the kayaking community.

No decisions were made at the meeting, but Archino and other officials said they were encouraged by the turnout, saying it showed people wanted a bigger kayaking presence.

Members of the Irvington Business Improvement Committee believe that an increase in kayaking would draw tourists to Irvington’s restaurants and businesses.

Irvington has applied for two separate grants that would improve kayaking however all the improvements would be located at Scenic Hudson Park. One project would help Irvington buy a floating rubberized dock system to go over the concrete ramp that’s currently in place.

Archino expressed concerns for this project because he said it would require the dock to be installed and removed each year. The company would install the dock at first, but then the village would need to install the dock itself.

Another project, which is separate from the first, includes the village using grant money to build a kayak storage yard at Scenic Hudson Park. Archino said the $7,500 grant must be used by September 1, 2011, meaning the project must be completed by then.

 “Things just don’t go that quickly,” he said.

Residents suggested many options, including introducing a permit system or building a kayak storage yard and charging people to use it.

 

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