Mahomet opened its first ADA compliant kayak/canoe launch on Oct. 22.
The Sangamon River access point, located on IL-47 just south of the “Chief” at 1404 S Division was made possible by a federally funded Recreational Trails Program Grant (RTP) administered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
Originally, the Mahomet Parks and Recreation Department applied for a Boat Access Area Development (BAAD) grant through IDNR, but due to state funding issues in 2014, the grant was unavailable.
Eighty-percent of the $100,746.01 will be reimbursed by the RTP grant while the Village of Mahomet through the Parks and Recreation budget will take on twenty-percent of the cost.
Midstate Excavation, Inc. began construction on the 6-foot path with preliminary excavation late in the fall of 2019. When site conditions improved in July 2020, it took about 25 days of work to complete the project in August.
The site now also includes a paved parking lot, overlook area and bike racks.
Mahomet Parks and Recreation Director Dan Waldinger said there are several unofficial access points along the Sangamon River on Champaign County Forest Preserve land, including launch sites upstream at Sangamon River Forest Preserve, Hazen Bridge Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve and Riverbend Forest Preserve downstream of IL-47.
“We continue to work with our CCFPD partners in actively pursuing other opportunities for more official areas,” Waldinger said.
Paddlers coming from the north will have to look for the river “split” once the overpass comes into view. The launch site is located on the right side of the split.
Waldinger added that the Upper Sangamon River Conservancy (USRC) and CCFPD were instrumental in making the launch site what it is today.
“The USRC and CCFPD were both helpful along the way,” Waldinger said. “The USRC in particular helped us in the early stages of planning, public engagement and in our grant application. It really was a complete team effort from multiple community resources.
“I’m hopeful that more access to the river gives our residents more appreciation for the river. Additionally, more opportunities to recreate, enhancing our overall health and quality of life.”
Additional Sangamon River Access Points are located here:
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