Jet‑ski operator pitches Riverfront Green Park water‑sports center; council raises safety and scope questions

A proposed water‑sports concession by New York Jet Ski drew interest and questions from Peekskill council members on June 8 over environmental protections, program scope and public safety.

Planner Matt Rudikoff presented the concept for a Riverfront Green Park operation and emphasized environmental and safety measures such as operating modern four‑stroke engines, designated riding zones and a near‑shore no‑wake area to reduce noise and shoreline impacts. Rudikoff said the company proposed a no‑wake zone parallel to shore that would extend roughly 100 yards out and that the operation would emphasize environmental awareness programming. "...Almost a 100 yards, almost 300 feet out into the river where, jet skis will be required to only go at an idling speed," Rudikoff said. He also noted the vendor had offered community benefits including discounted resident pricing, three free youth group trips and local hiring commitments.

Owner Corey Orism, joining by Zoom, said his group has operated in New York Harbor for years and described safety practices and age limits. "The minimum age we put passengers on is 6 years old, and, the minimum age to drive is 16," Orism said, and added his operation includes safety videos, guided options and youth programming. Several council members said they were uncomfortable including electric bikes in the vendor package until the city adopts a clear e‑bike policy and better defines routes and storage; others worried self‑guided rentals could lead to unsafe use by unchaperoned teenagers. Multiple council members recommended striking e‑bikes from the initial launch and asked staff to return with a narrowed, clarified proposal before moving to a vote.