Board signs off on “inclusive” boat docks at Vasona
SAN JOSE – The installation of ADA-compliant boat docks at Vasona Lake County Park – aimed at providing inclusive boating opportunities for people with disabilities – was accepted by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors this week.
The installation, completed by Guerra Construction Group, includes a wheelchair accessible dock system intended to improve access to water activities at Vasona for people with disabilities. The new ADA docks are open to the public.
“This is a really satisfying investment in expanding access to all of our County park resources,” said County Supervisor Joe Simitian, whose District Five includes Los Gatos, where Vasona is located. “Upgrading Vasona’s facilities means our residents with disabilities can safely get out on the water.”
The County’s busiest day-use park, Vasona is one of the few parks in the County that offers opportunities for water activities. However, in the past, those with disabilities faced significant challenges to boarding watercraft at Vasona.
Five years ago, multiple County departments came together to create “Day on the Lake” specifically for folks in the disability community. More than 100 people with disabilities were able to experience sailing, kayaking, and canoeing at the event – many for the first time ever – thanks in large part to the help of volunteers.
Based on positive feedback from participants, the Board, at the behest of then-Supervisors Ken Yeager and Mike Wasserman, directed County staff to equip Vasona with inclusive docks. The installation of the docks represents a culmination of Yeager and Wasserman’s effort; the new self-launching docks allow people with disabilities to launch kayaks without assistance. “Good for Ken, good for Mike, good for all us,” said Simitian.
“What was memorable about the ‘Day on the Lake’ was the sheer joy on the faces of people experiencing the water,” said Yeager. “Supervisor Wasserman and I wanted the disability community to share that experience every day of the year.”
“I wish to applaud and thank the Board of Supervisors, former Supervisor Yeager, and our awesome Parks Department for making this dream of ours and so many others come true,” said Wasserman. “This ADA compliant dock is a great example of how Santa Clara County strives to increase inclusivity whenever possible and show that ‘Santa Clara County Cares.’”