(La Porte, IN) - The City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department will dedicate the Stone Lake Small Watercraft Launch.

The dedication is scheduled for 1 p.m. on August 21 at Cummings Lodge in Soldiers Memorial Park. The dedication follows the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association Annual Rendezvous, which begins at noon.

According to park department officials, food and beverages will be offered for purchase during the rendezvous, along with social time.

After the watercraft launch dedication, the public is invited to join NIWPA members in a paddle, including kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards. A limited number of kayaks would be available on a first-come basis.

Construction of the accessible launch began in late 2020 with pouring the walkway and paving of the parking area.

Officials said the launch installed in the spring includes an easy-to-use ADA transfer bench and drive-through launch system, which allows people with disabilities, children, or seniors to feel confident transferring into their watercraft independently and provides extra stability when launching and docking.

Earlier this summer, a kayak rental unit and watercraft storage lockers were placed near the launch. The launch was primarily funded by the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte.