Company offers to donate adaptive kayak launch and rental kiosk at Ponce De Leon Park; council asks staff to follow procurement and permitting

A Pennsylvania company that manufactures adaptive kayak launches and an automated rental kiosk proposed donating systems to Punta Gorda for installation at Ponce De Leon Park.

Laurie Limpar and Scott Duhanski of BoardSafe Docks and Hyve Paddle Sports outlined a plan to donate an ADA‑compliant adaptive kayak launch and a Hyve unmanned kayak rental kiosk for the park’s protected cove. They said the launch would provide universal water access for users with mobility limitations and that the kiosk would be self‑service with online reservations, release forms and safety equipment.

Presenters said the two systems together have a retail value approaching $100,000 and that Hyve would operate and maintain the rental kiosk, keep revenue and handle equipment replacement. They provided video demonstrations showing users in wheelchairs using the adaptive launch independently.

Council members expressed support but directed staff to follow procurement, permitting and public‑works processes. City staff told council the project would require a design study, a concrete pad for the kiosk, accessible pathways and permitting with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and possibly the Army Corps of Engineers for in‑water work. Staff and council said they would also check whether the donation is a sole‑source item or whether an RFP is required and, if accepted, how the kiosk’s revenue and liability would be managed.

No formal council acceptance was made; staff will return with procurement options, site design issues and permitting requirements.