Vasona Lake boats
LOCAL PARK - Boats float idle at Vasona Lake County Park. (Drew Penner / Los Gatan)

It’s known for its paddle and row boats you can rent from early spring through fall.

But now, Vasona Lake County Park boasts new ADA-compliant boat docks.

That’s thanks to work done by Guerra Construction Group, including a wheelchair-accessible system.

“This is a really satisfying investment in expanding access to all of our County park resources,” said District 5 Supervisor Joe Simitian, in a release. “Upgrading Vasona’s facilities means our residents with disabilities can safely get out on the water.”

Over the last couple years a number of local businesses were hit with lawsuits claiming they’d violated the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Town of Los Gatos has been focused on upgrading its facilities to make sure they’re accessible to people of all ability levels.

A couple Silicon Valley “Canadians” hanging out by the water’s edge. (Drew Penner / Los Gatan)

The County has been trying to provide plenty of recreation opportunities for people with disabilities, too.

Vasona, its busiest day-use park, was a clear target for improvements.

Five years ago, the County held a Day on the Lake, which brought out 100 people with disabilities to experience sailing, kayaking and canoeing.

“What was memorable about the Day on the Lake was the sheer joy on the faces of people experiencing the water,” said former Supervisor Ken Yeager, who got together with Los Gatos’ previous representative on the board, Mike Wasserman, to put in self-launching docks. “Supervisor Wasserman and I wanted the disability community to share that experience every day of the year.”

Wasserman says he’s thrilled to see their vision come to fruition.

“I wish to applaud and thank the Board of Supervisors, former Supervisor Yeager, and our awesome Parks Department for making this dream of ours—and so many others—come true,” he said in the June 9 release, announcing the County had signed-off on the work.

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A staff member wrote, edited or posted this article, which may include information provided by one or more third parties.

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