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PHOTO: Simard-Payne Park on the Androscoggin River in Lewiston will be the site of a dock expansion for Lewiston Communty Rowing. (Google Maps photo)
LEWISTON — Lewiston Rowing has secured $15,000 in grants toward the purchase of a $25,850 dock system in Simard-Payne Park.
Earlier this year, the first-ever Riverfest Regatta, with use of a free loaned dock from EZ Dock of Maine, drew 250 people for rowing activities that included 40 boats, 200-plus athletes and coaches from 10 rowing clubs in New England.
Tree Street Youth teens also spent three weeks doing Lewiston Rowing’s first training educational program. Lewiston employees also participated in a wellness adult learn-to-row program.
The Brookfield Renewables Safety Grant Program, which promotes water safety and recreational use of the Androscoggin River, has awarded Lewiston Rowing a $10,000 grant. The Head of the Charles, Gold Cup Foundation awarded the group a $20,000 grant, with $5,000 set aside for the dock purchase.
Viewing the development of the riverfront for recreational activities as an integral part of the city’s Riverfront Island Master Plan for Simard-Payne Park, the City Council voted on Oct. 5 to cover the balance of the dock system cost. As such, a total of $10,850 will be utilized from the City’s Riverfront Implementation account. The remaining portion of the Head of the Charles grant will be allocated towards additional equipment, program design, and training delivery in an effort to remove traditional rowing barriers by making the sport accessible to all youth and adults who wish to try the sport.
Amy Smith, program director of Lewiston Rowing, said the loaned dock this summer worked well for singles, doubles and fours, but more is needed to accommodate the eight-person shell. “Our goal is to keep the current dock and to lengthen it by two sections,” Smith said. “This is the baseline for a robust rowing program.”
She said a kayak launch may also be added.
Lewiston Recreation will work with Lewiston Rowing to create community rowing programming for campers, students and residents. The city Public Works Dept. will update the path down to the dock next spring, as well as have continued involvement with the installation and storage of the dock.
