In 2020, the Village of Fruitport was excited to learn that the Village’s application for a grant to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to build an all accessible kayak launch was awarded funding. All accessible means Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and is built to be reached or entered by people who have a disability. This kayak launch is in the mid stage of development and will be located on the shores of Spring Lake in the Village of Fruitport’s beautiful Pomona Park. The kayak launch will increase recreational opportunities for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities and will be the only dedicated launch for kayaks on Spring Lake.

The project in its application stage received letters of support from many including Muskegon County, Fruitport Township, Fruitport Community Schools, and the Disability Network of West Michigan. The Village’s ADA accessible kayak launch coincides with the overall county goal of expanding recreational opportunities for everyone especially senior citizens and those with disabilities. This is a truly special project for Fruitport Village, and everyone is excited about it.

While the Village did receive state grant funding for this project, local match dollars totally $75,000 still must be contributed as part of the grant agreement. Anyone who is able and wants to help towards the required local match for this important project is encouraged to do so. Local support is key to not only help fund the kayak launch, but to get the word out to everyone about the development of this exciting project.

A donation of any size will have an impact on the entire community, especially seniors and those with disabilities, and will be used to offset funds that would otherwise come out of the village’s general budget. You can donate by sending a check to the Village of Fruitport office at 45 N. Second Avenue, Fruitport, Michigan 49415. Please do not hesitate to call with any questions to (231) 865-3577. Your generous pledge will be recognized on a special donor display that will be located near the kayak launch once developed.

Look for the new all accessible kayak launch and expanded parking area to be constructed on the east side of the boat launch in late summer or early fall of this year.