Jackson residents will soon be able to enjoy the Grand River on a canoe or kayak this summer. A grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is being used to install an accessible canoe and kayak launch in Ella Sharp Park.
The new launch will be located along the Grand River in the park’s southeast section off Maplewood Drive and Probert Road. This new park feature is facilitated through the Upper Grand River Watershed Alliance and the Jackson County Drain Commissioner’s Office to provide more access to water trails.
This will be the first public canoe and kayak launch to be installed on the Grand River in the Jackson area. The Upper Grand River Watershed Alliance previously spearheaded the installation of a similar launch at Vandercook Lake in Summit Township. With the Grand River connecting to the lake, installing another launch will improve water connectivity in Jackson County.
“We’re excited for the installation of this new launch. The long term plan is to provide more launches along the Grand River in Jackson in the coming years,” said City Parks and Recreation Director Kelli Hoover. “This will bring increased awareness of our waterways and provide more outdoor recreation options for our residents.”
Installation is scheduled for the first week of July. The City of Jackson Parks and Recreation Department is handling the installation of the launch, along with providing a new concrete path between the street and river.