Through the On The Canals program, the Village of Brockport is offering free kayak and cycling excursions on Saturdays and Sundays during June and July. A partnership with Rochester Accessible Adventures allows the Village to augment its fleet of cycles and kayaks with adaptive options for those with disabilities, enabling family members and friends to participate together.
“We are excited to offer the On the Canals program again,” says Marleen Cain, On the Canals Coordinator for the Village of Brockport. “We especially encourage those who may benefit from the adaptive equipment options to come join us this year!”
“The growth of accessible and inclusive opportunities along the Erie Canalway is exciting to see!” says Anita O’Brien, Executive Director of Rochester Accessible Adventures. “The intentional inclusion of people with disabilities in their On The Canals program is a great example of how the Village of Brockport is helping make a big difference in the lives of local families and individuals, as well as guests from out of town. These kinds of partnerships are great examples of a community working together for good!”
Excursions are open to participants ages 12 and up, and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All excursions will start and end at the Welcome Center, 11 Water Street, where there is municipal parking and accessible bathrooms. The excursions are free, but tickets are required to reserve equipment.
Kayaking excursions are offered every weekend, from June 17 through July 23, and last approximately two hours. Standard or adaptive kayaks and accompanying equipment will be provided, and the equipment to be used must be selected when reserving tickets. Kayaks will be launched at the adaptive dock and will travel west through the village and then turn around and return to the adaptive dock. The distance traveled will depend on each participant’s ability and time.
Biking excursions will be offered on June 18, July 1, and July 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Because of the Main Street Lift Bridge construction and detours, the group may travel west towards Holley or east towards Adams Basin. The determination will be made on the day of the ride. Tickets are only required if either standard or adaptive equipment is needed. Those with their own cycle and helmet are welcome to join the excursion just by signing in at the Welcome Center.
Adaptive equipment is designed for those who need adaptations in order to participate alongside family and friends. In partnership with Rochester Accessible Adventures (http://rochesteraccessibleadventures.org), anyone in need of such equipment can sign up and will be provided an adaptive kayak or cycle, accompanying equipment, onsite training, and a canal buddy. When reserving, select the ticket for the type of equipment needed. Pictures and descriptions of the adaptive equipment are provided on the ticketing site, and those who reserve adaptive equipment will be contacted to ensure they are getting the appropriate adaptations. The adaptive kayaks and cycles are from Erie Canal Boat Company in Fairport (http://eriecanalboatcompany.com).
Go to https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/kayaking-and-cycling-events-in-brockport2151249 to find all the kayaking and cycling excursions and to reserve tickets. Continue to check back if the tickets are sold out because plans change, and tickets may become available at a later date. Last-minute cancellations also happen. Prospective attendees are welcome to stop by the Welcome Center to see if any equipment is available on the day of the event.
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