BY PHILL BARNETT
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
PAINTSVILLE — Paintsville Lake is getting a new boardwalk sponsored by Casting for Kids, a series of annual fishing tournaments that benefit children’s charities including local Shriners organizations.
A project that has been in the works for three years, the boardwalk will be wheelchair accessible and will sit approximately 1 foot above the water, allowing children with disabilities the opportunity to fish at Paintsville Lake while making the task easier for all.
In addition to allowing easier access for strollers and foot traffic, the Boardwalk will allow those in wheelchairs and those with limited mobility to access the water much more easily.
According to Casting for Kids, “This will be one of the first of its kind in Kentucky to allow a disabled child the chance to fish, skip rocks or watch sunsets at water level.”
The project will also include an ADA-accessible kayak launch, giving more people the chance to experience kayaking as well.
Casting for Kids board member Tony Gullett explained how the boardwalk came to be. This year will be the ninth year that Casting for Kids has hosted an annual charity fishing tournament at Paintsville Lake, so the site is near and dear to the Casting for Kids board, including founding member Chris Ferguson.
“Chris decided he wanted to make a ramp for special needs kids to fish,” explained Gullett. “So he sat down with Bocook Engineering and had it drawn up. In the process, our county judge here said, ‘Hey, let me see what I can do.’ So they were able to help with a grant to help us with [the boardwalk].”
The project is a collaborative effort between several agencies and community organizations. Kentucky State Parks, Johnson County Community & Economic Development, Casting for Kids, Bocook Engineering, Big Sandy Shrine Club, Ferguson Excavation and the City of Paintsville are all involved in the completion of the boardwalk.
Along with grant money attained by Johnson County Judge Mark McKenzie’s office, Casting for Kids and their community partners raised the funds necessary to construct the boardwalk.
Ground was broken on the project in December and it has progressed rapidly. While a completion date has not yet been set because of unknown weather conditions, the project is in its final stages and will be ready for prime fishing season.
“I’m really positive it will be ready for spring,” said Gullett.
The Casting for Kids fishing tournament at Paintsville Lake on April 30 is a great opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the power of accessibility. This event will show that everyone can take part in outdoor activities regardless of their abilities.
The new Casting for Kids Boardwalk at Paintsville Lake State Park is a testament to the importance of accessibility in outdoor spaces. It is a great example of how much can be achieved when a community comes together to make a difference.
Follow the Casting for Kids Facebook page to stay up-to-date on the project.