Nason's Landing Accessible Kayak Launch

Background
At the 2023 Annual Town Meeting, capital funding was approved for the design of an accessible canoe and kayak launch on the Shawsheen River at Nason's Landing. The project also includes the addition of limited off-road parking  on Town conservation land, located at 59 River Street. 

The goal of the project is to create opportunities for residents with disabilities to safely access the Shawsheen River, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While there are currently several public access points along the Shawsheen River, none are ADA accessible. 

The image below below is an example of an accessible canoe and kayak launch. Users are able to safely transfer into their kayak or canoe on a series of step down benches including one retractable bench that can extend over the watercraft seat.  Rails and rollers allow for the user to enter the water slowly.

Site Selection
Nason's Landing was identified as the site for an accessible kayak launch through a comprehensive study process led by the Chair of the Andover Commission on Disability and the Director of Conservation. Representatives from Andover Trails, the Conservation Commission, Town of Andover staff, and other stakeholders participated in the assessment. 25 potential sites were examined during this process, with Shawsheen Pines and Nason's Landing ultimately selected for further evaluation.

The Town hired PARE Corporation to perform an independent analysis of the two locations. The analysis identified Nason's Landing as the preferred site for the following reasons:

• Lowest cost
• Protection from currents at the dock
• Gradual slope of surrounding land
• Proximity to summer channel
• Easy access for construction and equipment
• Easier maintenance

Project Status/Next Steps
The project is currently being designed with input from neighboring residents. A cost estimate for the project will be determined through the design process. It is anticipated that a request for funding for construction of the project will be brought to Annual Town Meeting in 2024.

Documents & Resources
Nason's Landing Accessible Kayak Launch Site Map 
2023 Annual Town Meeting Presentation
Videos Demonstrating Accessible Kayak Launch Use (Video 1) (Video 2)