Although Saturday, July 13th, started off rainy and cloudy, it turned out to be a splendid day to appreciate nature and the great outdoors while engaging in the diverse activities offered on the water at the Sebago Canoe Club, a beautiful oasis in Canarsie. It was all part of the Jamaica Bay Festival, on City of Water Day, hosted by the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC), which offered 39 free, fun, family-friendly events across 10,000 acres of parkland around Jamaica Bay in Brooklyn and Queens.
State Senator Roxanne Persaud and some of her staff stopped by the Sebago Canoe Club, at 1400 Paerdegat Avenue North, to support the festivities. She told the Canarsie Courier, “I am honored to continue our partnership with the exceptional leadership team of this esteemed club. I am always delighted to bring families from across the length and breadth of our great district to experience this hidden gem located in the heart of Canarsie.” She also expressed her gratitude to “Commodore Beth Eller and her dedicated team of volunteers who consistently welcome us to the club and demonstrate unparalleled hospitality year after year.”
The Billion Oyster Project team was also present to provide an educational component.
Despite the uncertain weather, the youngsters and their chaperones were eager to embark on what was a unique and novel experience for most. They thoroughly enjoyed kayaking, canoeing and sailing on the beautiful bay.
This was the 7th Annual Jamaica Bay Festival. JBRPC partnered with 40 local community groups to host events all day, including yoga, biking, nature walks, wildlife watching tours, etc. JBRPC Executive Director Terri Carta said, “We’re committed to increasing awareness about the importance of Jamaica Bay as NYC’s largest tidal estuary and JBRPC’s mission to steward parklands and wetlands within out catchment, which is a third of the city’s coastline.”
The Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy is a public-private partnership established in 2013 dedicated to improving the 10,000 acres of public parklands throughout Jamaica Bay.
Photos by Claudy Vilme
