Charlotte County Commissioner Stephen R. Deutsch recently joined Paddle 4 Heroes, the Charlotte County Veterans Council, members of our veterans community, and fellow residents to cut the ribbon on the park’s new BoardSafe Accessible Kayak Launch.
This project represents years of collaboration and commitment to make William R. Gaines Jr. Memorial Park a place that honors service, strengthens community, and ensures every resident can enjoy the outdoors with dignity and independence.
“As a disabled veteran, I know firsthand how meaningful true accessibility can be. When we remove barriers, we open doors, not just for recreation, but for connection, healing, and belonging. I’m proud to see our community come together to make this possible for all of our citizens,” said Commissioner Stephen R. Deutsch during the ceremony.
“It’s truly an honor to be part of the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park and the Beirut Peacekeepers Tower. This is a powerful story that must be told and remembered,” commented Stephen J. Fleming, the man behind much of the fundraising for the BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch that was recently installed at the park.
Reconized for their participation was American Legion Post 110 for the presentation and retirement of colors; Master of Ceremony Lee Hale, U.S. Navy; Rev. Kevin Shaw, USMC, for the Invocation and Benediction; Jay Hemingway for leading the Pledge of Allegiance and Star Spangled Banner; Stephen R. Deutsch, USCG and Charlotte County Commissioner; Jeff Mosher, Beirut Veteran USMC; Charlie Foxtrot Brewing, Mission Barbeque, Durti Runners, Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors, Willis Smith Construction, Jackson Signs, & BoardSafe Docks for manufacturing the accessible kayak launch and donating T-shirts to those attending the ribbon cutting ceremony.
The project was made possible with partial funding from Paddle for Heroes, a (501) (C3) non-profit working in cooperation with the county.
It took about two years to complete the permitting and approval documentation so kayaks and canoes can launch into the tributaries and canals into Charlotte Harbor. The work did not distrupt sea grass or small tooth sawfish living in the local tributaries. There was also “upland construction” to improve existing sidewalks and parking.
Learn more about the park’s plan and accessible amenities here: William R. Gaines Veterans Memorial Park, Charlotte County, FL, recognizes veterans and first responders with accessible park amenities.