Shore sounds like a great idea

Our city is surrounded by many bodies of water and each borough, especially Queens has miles of waterfront and shoreline which has been dominated by commerce and industry for centuries.
One of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s highest priorities is to restore access of our waterways to the people and enable them to enjoy them by creating a Water Trail.
“Throughout the city, parks along the shoreline are being built and renovated to reconnect the public with the water - Baretto Point Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Hudson River Park, Fort Totten Park and Fresh Kills Park to name just a few,” said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe.
“To connect these sites and enhance the user’s experience and safety, I have asked Queens Borough Commissioner Dorothy Lewandowski - a water sports enthusiast and an accomplished kayaker - to spearhead the initiative to create a NYC Water Trail.” Benepe said.
The trail will be designed to provide information about safe and legal access to the waters that surround the five boroughs. The trail itself will be mapped out and hosted online to share history, culture and facts about the waterways.
During the spring and summer of 2007, the Department of Parks and Recreation will be collecting information, surveying conditions, taking pictures and writing information about the areas that will be used as the Water Trail. Lewandowski is planning to join volunteers and Parks Department staff as they document the trail. Then work on the website and development of the guide itself will being, with the hope to launch the site in the spring of 2008.
The NYC Water Trail will be used primarily for recreational activities including, kayaking and canoeing. Individuals will be able to launch from certain points along the trails, and kayak or canoe as they please.
This will be a strict “at your own risk” opportunity, as there will not be lifeguards along the route. There will be clearly definable safety tips along the trail with clearly marked rules and regulations.
The Parks & Recreation Department is looking for volunteers to help map the trails out and those who may be familiar with the history and culture of the areas.
If you are interested in becoming a part of this project, contact Lewandowski’s office at 718-520-5905.