Nason's Landing Accessible Kayak Launch

Background
At the 2023 Annual Town Meeting, capital funding was approved for the design of an accessible canoe and kayak launch on the Shawsheen River at Nason's Landing. The project also includes the addition of limited off-road parking  on Town conservation land, located at 59 River Street. 

The goal of the project is to create opportunities for residents with disabilities to safely access the Shawsheen River, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While there are currently several public access points along the Shawsheen River, none are ADA accessible. 

Funding for construction of the project is recommended in the FY2026 Capital Improvement Program, and will be considered for approval at the 2025 Annual Town Meeting. 

The image below below is an example of an accessible canoe and kayak launch. Users are able to safely transfer into their kayak or canoe on a series of step down benches including one retractable bench that can extend over the watercraft seat.  Rails and rollers allow for the user to enter the water slowly.

Site Selection
Nason's Landing was identified as the site for an accessible kayak launch through a comprehensive study process led by the Chair of the Andover Commission on Disability and the Director of Conservation. Representatives from Andover Trails, the Conservation Commission, Town of Andover staff, and other stakeholders participated in the assessment. 25 potential sites were examined during this process, with Shawsheen Pines and Nason's Landing ultimately selected for further evaluation.

The Town hired PARE Corporation to perform an independent analysis of the two locations. The analysis identified Nason's Landing as the preferred site for the following reasons:

• Lowest cost
• Protection from currents at the dock
• Gradual slope of surrounding land
• Proximity to summer channel
• Easy access for construction and equipment
• Easier maintenance

Project Status/Next Steps
Following Town Meeting's approval of design funds for the Nason's Landing Accessibly Kayak Launch in 2023, the project was designed with input from neighboring residents. Funding for construction of the the project is recommended in the FY 2026 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and will be considered for approval at the 2025 Annual Town Meeting, which begins on April 29, 2025. 

Public Engagement
The most recent public meeting about the Nason's Landing Accessible Kayak Launch was held on Thursday, March 27 at 6:30 PM at the Ballardvale Fire Station Training Room, located at 161 Andover Street. The meeting provided members of the community with an update on the design of the project, its goals, and the results of traffic and truck exclusion research conducted by TEC. Material presented during the meting is listed on this page under resources.

Documents & Resources
Nason's Landing Accessible Kayak Launch Site Map 
2023 Annual Town Meeting Presentation
Videos Demonstrating Accessible Kayak Launch Use (Video 1) (Video 2)