KAY-AKCESS - Key Persons
Kim Holt, University of Michigan, has over 24 years of experience in the marine industry. His extensive experience includes manufacturing, design, installation, marketing, sales and web-site creation for AccuDock- manufacturer of the unique, low profile floating docks for use with Kayaks, Paddleboards and Rowing.
Laura Tully is the park's manager and believes this facility will benefit everyone.
"You know a lot of people will look at an accessible kayak launch and think that this was put in for people with disabilities or different levels of abilities, but it's for everybody," Tully said. "So we've got this beautiful kayak launch and we want everybody of every ability to come out and try it."
Sarasota County recently renovated the Senator Bob Johnson's Landing Park on Tamiami Trail in Venice. Senator Bob Johnson's Landing Park is a gem of a place to have fun and unwind. Sarasota County exceeded the ADA requirements by installing a 60-inch wide gangway and access path.
Job Titles:
- President of Access Associates Inc., DBA Kay - AKcess Knows from Personal Experience the Frustration of Not Being Able to Participate in an Activity She Loved.
Following spinal surgery, Susan no longer had the flexibility to get in or out of her kayak without assistance. She knew there had to be a way. She set out to find the right piece of equipment that would allow her access to the water, safely, unassisted. After extensive research it appeared there was no viable solution. So, with great determination she decided to design something that would solve this problem. With graph paper in hand and some "out of the box thinking" she designed a safe launching system for her kayak. Working with a local dock builder, a safe launching system was built in her backyard. Finally she had a safe, stable easy launch that allowed her to get in and out of her kayak on her own. The freedom to enjoy the water at will!
Susan Butler, President of Access Associates Inc., DBA Kay-aKcess knows from personal experience the frustration of not being able to participate in an activity she loved.
Susie Turner is a wheelchair user and regularly visits the park. She says she is now enjoying an activity she hasn't been able to do for a long time.
"This is the first time in sixteen years that I've been able to kayak," Turner said. "So this… It's bringing my life back to me."