July 31, 2026
Before and After Photos Available Here
New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley today announced the completion of waterfront improvements at the Kiwanis International Park in Rotterdam, including an accessible kayak launch, floating docks and a bulkhead along the shoreline. The Kiwanis International Park project was funded through a $225,000 grant from the Department of State’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP), which administers funding under the State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and local funding from the Town of Rotterdam.
“Every New Yorker deserves the opportunity to experience and enjoy our State’s incredible waterfronts, and that means ensuring our public spaces are accessible to people of all abilities,” said New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “As we celebrate Disability Pride Month and the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the accessible kayak launch at Kiwanis International Park is a powerful example of how thoughtful investments can open the door to new experiences and strengthen connections to our natural resources. We are proud to partner with the Town of Rotterdam through our Local Waterfront Revitalization Program to expand public access to the Mohawk River and help create a more inclusive waterfront for residents and visitors alike.”
The project improves public access and connections to the Mohawk River. It includes an ADA accessible kayak launch, floating docks, a bulkhead along the shoreline and landscaping improvements. The renovated boat launch facility and shoreline improvements will enhance the park, creating a significant access point for fishing, kayaking and boating.
Projects like the improvements at Kiwanis Park continue to further the goals of the Mohawk River Watershed Management Plan and Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda by promoting safe public access for all along the Mohawk River and the Empire State Trail. After a series of flooding events, the popular boat ramp and small dock were left in a dangerous and barely unusable condition for the local boating and fishing community. The renovations not only allow for the return of national fishing tournaments to this stretch of the Mohawk River and Erie Canal, but new ADA compliant docking and kayak launch amenities provide much needed access to New Yorkers of all ages and abilities.
The DOS Local Waterfront Revitalization Program is funded through the State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). This year, Governor Hochul has made available an unprecedented $450 million for programs supported by the EPF.
Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “The summer season reminds us of how time spent outdoors enjoying New York’s natural beauty can improve wellbeing and mental health for everyone. Increasing access to natural resources like the waterfront at Kiwanis International Park in Rotterdam will allow more New Yorkers to take advantage of restorative recreational activities that contribute to our ongoing mental wellness.”
New York State Canal Corporation Director Ben Walsh said, “We are working each day to make the Canal System an accessible recreational destination, and projects like the one just completed at Kiwanis International Park help us to make that vision a reality. Congratulations to the Town of Rotterdam, Secretary Mosley and Governor Hochul for supporting these critical projects that enhance accessibility and make our state’s many waterfronts appealing for visitors of all abilities from near and far.”
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “The improvements at Rotterdam’s Kiwanis International Park demonstrate the power of state and local partnerships to enhance the lives of New York families. Expanding accessibility at parks and public lands is a priority of Governor Hochul’s historic Environmental Protection Fund investments, and projects like this are creating more opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy the outdoors. Whether it’s biking along the Empire State Trail, fishing on the Mohawk River, or paddling the Erie Canal, every New Yorker should have the opportunity to experience the physical and mental benefits of outdoor recreation.”
New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Willow Baer said, “As we celebrate the 36th anniversary of the ADA, OPWDD commends Governor Hochul and our partners at the Department of State for proactively taking steps to improve accessibility at the Kiwanis International Park Waterfront in Rotterdam, and throughout the state. The new accessible kayak launch will make it possible for New Yorkers with disabilities to experience the same recreational opportunities at the waterfront as everyone else.”
Rotterdam Town Supervisor John Polimeni said, “The opening of this accessible kayak launch and dock marks a significant step forward in making our waterways welcoming to all residents of Rotterdam and beyond. We are proud to provide a space that encourages outdoor recreation and inclusivity, ensuring that all residents and visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and health benefits of our waterways. This project reflects our commitment to enhancing community access and promoting an active lifestyle for people of all abilities.”
About the DOS Local Waterfront Revitalization Program
The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) provides grants to communities to develop community-driven waterfront revitalization plans that cultivate a vision for their waterfront; identify projects to implement that vision; and provide coastal policies to guide future planning, development and infrastructure. LWRP also funds Watershed Management Plans (WMPs), which protect and restore water quality and watersheds as well as address watershed-wide resiliency. LWRP projects help communities expand public access to their waterfronts and protect the environment, while also boosting tourism, economic development and community resiliency. For more information on the program, visit the LWRP website at dos.ny.gov/local-waterfront-revitalization-program.