The installation of a canoe or kayak launch into a river brings about a range of benefits, contributing to both the local community and the natural environment. Here are several advantages associated with incorporating a canoe launch:

Recreational Access: Launches provide easy access to the river for recreational activities such as canoeing and kayaking. This enhances opportunities for outdoor recreation, promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle among community members.

Community Engagement: Launches serve as focal points for community gatherings and events centered around water-based activities. These spaces create opportunities for social interaction and community engagement, fostering a sense of shared connection among residents.

Environmental Education: The presence of a launch can be coupled with educational programs that raise awareness about the local river ecosystem, wildlife, and conservation efforts. This contributes to environmental literacy and a greater understanding of the importance of preserving natural habitats.

Conservation and Stewardship: By providing a designated access point, a launch helps concentrate recreational activities, minimizing the impact on sensitive habitats along the riverbanks. This controlled access promotes responsible use and encourages a sense of stewardship among users.

Safety and Accessibility: Launches enhance safety by providing a designated area for launching and landing watercraft. Properly designed launches also improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the river experience.

Natural Connection: Launches facilitate a direct connection with nature, allowing users to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the river environment.

Reduced Impact on Riverbanks: With designated launch points, there is a reduced risk of damage to sensitive riverbank vegetation. Concentrating access at designated locations helps minimize erosion and habitat disruption along the river's edge.

Over the course of the project seven potential launch locations will be either newly constructed or upgraded to enhance public access to the river.

• Veterans Park
• Western Green
• Mayapple
• Daley Road
• Bluestem Trail
• Innovation Drive
• Windsor Road