Meredith makes history with ADA-Compliant paddling launch installation at Leavitt Park

MEREDITH — A grand ribbon-cutting event is planned for Saturday, June 27, at Leavitt Park in Meredith from 10 a.m. to noon, to celebrate the installation of the first ADA-compliant Adaptive Paddling Launch in the Lakes Region.

The launch is located at the end of Leavitt Park Road in Meredith. The public is invited to attend. The Leavitt Beach parking lot will be open to all at no charge during the hours of the event. Refreshments, a demonstration of how the Launch works, and information about paddling aids will be available.

The Meredith Adaptive Paddling Launch Committee, in partnership with the Meredith Parks and Recreation Department, will sponsor the event. The rain date is June 28.

The June 27 celebration will cap a project initiated in early 2022 by a small group of volunteers who recognized an opportunity to expand access to Lake Winnipesaukee for people of all ages and physical abilities. Financial support for the project came mainly from a grassroots fundraising campaign, several grants, and some monies from the Town of Meredith.

The Meredith Adaptive Paddling Launch is the only ADA-compliant, fully adaptive paddling launch system in the Lakes Region, and one of only a handful in the state of New Hampshire. The town is also planning to create an ADA-compliant walking trail connecting the paddling launch area to the beach area at Leavitt Park. The trail is expected to be complete in 2027.

For more information about the launch and the June 27 celebration event, visit meredithnh.org/parks-recreation.