Hellenberg Park to get universally accessible kayak launch

Hellenberg Park will become the site of the first universally accessible kayak launch in the city of Monroe later this year.

Monroe recently was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation to help fund the design and construction of the project in the city's easternmost park along the River Raisin.

The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation is dedicated to funding community projects that improve the quality of life for residents in Southeast Michigan and Western New York. Parks and recreational activities are some of the key focuses for the organization.

Hellenberg Park was the most logical choice to take advantage of the grant, said Monroe Economic and Community Development Director Mark Cochran. The section of the river off of the park is free of dams and other obstructions to allow for continuous activity without having to exit and reenter the water.

Hellenberg Park is envisioned as a hub of Monroe's Orchard East neighborhood, which is an area targeted for revitalization by the city council. A kayak launch in the park was one proposed improvement in last year's Orchard East Subarea Plan.

The River Raisin National Battlefield Park has operated its annual summer youth kayaking program out of Hellenberg Park since 2019.

"The Ralph C. Wilson Foundation focuses on underserved neighborhoods, of which, the Orchard East neighborhood meets the criteria," Cochran said. "Also, there is a lot of synergy, too, with the River Raisin National Battlefield Park and their efforts and previous programs which included a kayak program introducing inner-city youth and others to kayaking and other recreational opportunities.

"Monroe is unique in the sense we have something no other place in the country can boast of. In this location we have a national park, international wildlife refuge, state park, one of the Great Lakes, and a river converging in one location."

The kayak launch will be the first in the city along its entire 6-mile length of the River Raisin. A dedicated launch site will allow kayak users of all experience levels safer and easier access to the water instead of launching off the bank or at boat launches, according to the city's grant application.

The city hopes the site will encourage more community partners to incorporate the river into their programs while increasing general recreation for residents and tourists alike. Increased community traffic in the neighborhood would also boost opportunities for local businesses.

A portion of the project also will draw funds from the city's community development block grant.

The city hopes to have construction completed by the end of the summer or early fall.

"Next steps will include working with a design professional to determine the exact placement of the launch, research and select the best launch option, site design to connect the launch to the parking lot ensuring accessibility, and finally, seeking out a contractor to perform the site work and installation," Cochran said.

While the city has no current plans to offer rentals on kayaks or other water equipment, its is open to partnerships that could provide that opportunity.

"If there is a concessionaire interested in running a kayak/canoe rental program out of the park, we would be interested in having that discussion," Cochran said. "However, for now, this will just be an accessible launch for the public to utilize with their own equipment."

The kayak launch is just one of many upcoming park projects around the city.

Monroe laid out an ambitious vision for improvements in its recently adopted five-year Park and Trails Master Plan. Master plans have been drawn up for many of the city's most frequented parks, including St. Mary's Park, Father Cairns Park, Manor Park, Mill Race Park and Munson Park.

Funds for those park improvements are part of the city budget through the Capital Improvement Program.

"It is the intent of the city to begin implementing one new park plan each year as funding permits," Cochran said. "... The planned improvements to our parks demonstrate the city council's focus on improving Monroe as a quality place to live by enhancing these public spaces for all users."

The city completed a $1.5 million restoration of Labor Park last summer. This year's focus is on Father Cairns Park at the intersection of South Roessler and West Eighth Street. A $3.25 million restoration of the park already is underway with most of the underground infrastructure already in place.

"When completed later this summer, the new park will feature eight new pickleball courts that will be lit as well as three new tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, new pavilion, new play structure and swing set, restrooms, walking path, and a splashpad," Cochran said.

Next year's target is St. Mary's Park, Cochran said. The renovations there are planned to coincide with rehabilitation construction of the Martin Luther King Jr. pedestrian bridge that spans a downtown section of the River Raisin.

Another kayak launch onto the River Raisin is part of the proposed renovations at Mill Race Park in the coming years. Other planned improvements include boardwalks, pavilions, a fishing pier, trails, meadows and a canoe launch.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Hellenberg Park in Monroe to get universally accessible kayak launch