City of Water Day — July 12th — was a day of waves, wonder and pride along the waterfront. Canarsie residents and neighbors from all across NYC attended several events that brought fresh energy and a focus on community to the Jamaica Bay shoreline.
At the Sebago Canoe Club, located at 1400 Paerdegat Avenue North, over 150 participants enjoyed kayaking, canoeing and rowing during the club’s Community Open House. This free event welcomed the public and is part of their summer series aimed at introducing locals to water recreation and Jamaica Bay.
Sebago’s Commodore Beth, who chairs the club’s board of directors, spoke passionately about the organization’s mission. “We’re all volunteers. Our goal is simple: get people out on the water. We teach kayaking and canoeing to complete beginners. We want the Canarsie community to know this parkland is theirs to enjoy.”
Founded in 1933, the club has evolved from training high school canoe teams into a center for outdoor education and connection to the environment. Over 50 volunteers welcomed groups like the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and NYPD Explorers, along with families from the neighborhood.
“We’ve found that many people in Canarsie don’t even know this space exists,” Beth shared. “These open houses help us change that. We want to be a bridge between the community and the water.”
Just across the bay, the energy was equally lively at the 8th Annual Jamaica Bay Festival, also part of City of Water Day. Organized by the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC), the festival featured over 30 free events across Brooklyn and Queens, including kayaking, shoreline cleanups, yoga, birding, live music and environmental education.
At the Canarsie Pier, families took part in hands-on activities that emphasized the importance of stewardship and sustainability in local parks. Volunteers helped children with planting activities, and local artists added color and sound to the shoreline.
“The Jamaica Bay Festival is more than a celebration; it’s a call to connect,” Terri Carta, executive director of JBRPC, said “We want every New Yorker to know that Jamaica Bay belongs to them. Whether you’re here to paddle, clean up, explore or create art, you’re part of this ecosystem.”
The festival received support from local elected officials and partnerships with community groups like the Marine Park Alliance and The Garden by the Bay. NYC Ferry provided transportation for attendees across the boroughs.
Covering both events revealed a powerful truth: the Jamaica Bay shoreline is not just a geographic feature; it’s a living, breathing asset filled with opportunities for recreation, learning and unity. Whether paddling at Sebago or picnicking at Canarsie Pier, Canarsie residents showed on July 12th that their connection to the water is strong and growing.
