Access Ada Hayden

Imagine an ADA-compliant canoe and kayak launch at Ames' Ada Hayden Heritage Park.  Imagine the potential for everyone to enjoy the mental and physical benefits that come with paddling, and for some, the opportunity to experience Ada Hayden Lake (and Park), for the very first time! 

The Board Safe Adaptive Launch  features a large floating platform, an ADA-compliant gangway and a "boat slide." The slide stabilizes the canoe or kayak as one enters, and a transfer bench and grab rails accommodate people with a wide range of physical limitations.  (There are several good demonstration videos on the Board Safe website  and YouTube Page  .)


“Access Ada Hayden” is a committee of paddlers who have partnered with the City of Ames and others to bring an adaptive launch and dock to the lake. The City has included the project in their Capital Improvements Plan with funding allocated for the 2021 budget year. 

Our group was tasked to raise an additional $35,000 in partner funding, and (as of March 7th, 2021) we're at $24,100 in pledges, grants and donations! 


That total includes a $6,000 grant from the Story County Community Foundation plus pledges and donations of $10,000 from the Friends of Ada Hayden Park , $2,000 from the Great Ames Adventure Race  and $1,000 each from the Ames Triathlon and the Outdoor Alliance of Story County .

WE CAN USE YOUR HELP !

Our goal is to raise the remaining $11,000 well before July 1st, in hopes that the launch can be purchased and installed before the end of the paddling season. We hope that you will be inspired to help us reach that goal, whether that be with a donation, by purchasing a raffle ticket  or just by sharing our enthusiasm for the project.   You'll find additional information here and on and our Facebook Page  .

The Outdoor Alliance of Story County  (OASCO) will also accept donations by mail at P.O. Box 1863, Ames, IA 50010.  (Be sure to note Access Ada Hayden in the memo line!)

Access Ada Hayden partners include the Skunk River Paddlers , the Friends of Ada Hayden Heritage Park , the Outdoor Alliance of Story County and JAX Outdoor Gear.