Recent controversy has surrounded a public kayak launch site and a business that reportedly believes it should be taken away.
This kayak launch pad is located on 10th street near Harbour Lights Condominiums. It provides one of the few places to safely and legally to launch a recreational floatation device near the City Dock/Depot. Apparently, someone thinks that this is NOT a public street and wants it taken away. This kayak launch site is located next to an oil business with many dreary oil tanks visible within a few feet.
The key reason for this launch site is to bring people from Janes Island State Park to Downtown Crisfield. We must create commerce from the abundant amount of travelers to the state park. Janes Island is an important resource to the community, and the city is not taking advantage of the possibilities that may arise from working together.
Inside sources from Janes Island State Park have reported to us that there were many campers during 4th of July weekend that were asking what events were happening in town and where they could see fireworks. Staff members reportedly had to direct campers to neighbouring towns that did have fireworks, thus proving that our theory of moving fireworks to the week before the holiday weekend was an utter disaster.
Since it is obvious that the town cannot always cater events properly to out of town guests, we must provide other resources for their leisure activity. This location should be promoted to its full potential and NOT be taken away. Our reports state that the party jeopardizing its future does not want them to see the oil tanks as they could be considered an eyesore. If they are worried about kayakers trespassing or viewing the property, they should erect a fence. It’s time to clean up Crisfield.
Other reports state that there are people within city government who are FOR keeping this kayak launch pad, which is outstanding. It should be given proper signage along with some form of kayak/water trail map for the town. This thought goes along with the idea that the City of Crisfield needs a marketing plan.
If the oil tanks need restoration, there are plenty of local volunteers for the beautification of Crisfield willing to paint them. We suggest a design that says, “Welcome to Crisfield.”
Crisfield After Dark 
I stopped caring a long time ago.
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Councilman Emily coordinated a clean up effort of the small boat harbor earlier this year. Would be great to have a similar effort to clean up this city property. Count me in! –
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If its city property then I don’t see why anyone has a problem with kayaks launching.If recreational kayak and canoe enthusiasts do not feel welcome in town we may lose a good chunk of our tourists-which would be bad for everyone.A good amount of visitors here come with kayaks strapped on their vehicles and if they cannot land or launch here,they will never leave the park and drive into the downtown area.
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Exactly. Since the city has been adding signage for things such as Wellington Beach, they should also add one to main street letting people know this is there for public use.
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