Gloucester Parks, Recreation and Tourism officials held a brief ceremony at Beaverdam Park Friday to announce that the county’s first Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant kayak and canoe launching and docking system had opened at the park.

Parks and recreation director Carol Steele said the EZ Launch System features guide rails for easy access in and out of the water. The floating dock is open for use by all canoeists and kayakers, she said, but has special features to accommodate handicapped individuals.

Unlike the older pier at Beaverdam, no fishing is allowed from the new unit, Steele said.

Tourism coordinator Hilton Snowdon said the new docking unit has launch rollers for easily moving the watercraft and is a floating platform that adjusts to changing water levels.

 The launch system is designed so that an individual in a wheelchair can easily transfer by sliding over onto a center board that adjusts to different heights for a canoe or kayak launch or docking.

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