Council introduces lease for Canton Kayak Club at Hodgkin's Park after club presentation

Havre de Grace — The Canton Kayak Club asked the Havre de Grace City Council on Aug. 18 to allow a seasonal shared-kayak program at Hodgkin's Park. After the presentation, the council introduced an ordinance approving a lease for a portion of the park by a 6-0 vote on first reading.

Ray Skerritt, president of the Canton Kayak Club, said the nonprofit operates seasonal kayak racks at waterfront locations from Annapolis to Delta, Pa., and provides training and equipment to new members. ‘‘Our goal is to increase access to the water by providing a seasonal shared kayak program from multiple waterfront locations,’’ Skerritt said.

Club members said the proposed Hodgkin's Park site is in a far corner of the park’s parking lot near the existing drain and would host a stationary rack holding about 8–12 kayaks, plus a dock box storing life jackets and paddles. Membership for new users was described as $180 for six months (includes training); returning members pay a reduced rate. The club operates an unstaffed model: members complete training, then use combination locks and cable security to access kayaks.

Council members asked about security, maintenance, and how the operation would coordinate with existing youth sailing programs and the farmer’s market. The club said it would avoid amplified events, coordinate schedules with park users, and would consider investing in dock improvements only if the site became a training location requiring more equipment.

Following the presentation, Council member Shenagas moved to introduce Ordinance 12 o 4 approving the lease for Hodgkin's Park; the measure was seconded and carried 6-0. The ordinance was adopted on first reading; a public hearing is scheduled for the council’s next meeting on Sept. 2.