Why Can't Roosevelt Islanders Get in the Water

Roosevelt Island is a waterfront community surrounded on all sides by water but with no access to the water by its residents. A recent post lamented the fact that Roosevelt Island, unlike Long Island City and the Upper East Side which both have a boat house, kayak launch and ferry service, does not have any access to the water. Another example of a community on the East River that does provide waterfront recreation is Red Hook:

The Red Hook Boaters is a volunteer organization that is dedicated to providing waterfront access and education to the public. We launch from Louis Valentino Jr. Pier Park in Brooklyn, New York and offer programs within the protected cove area as well as open water explorations of Red Hook, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Buttermilk Channel and voyages to Governors Isle.

During the past season, which begins in May and ends in October, over 500 individuals participated in our programs and we logged over 800 trips on the East River and Buttermilk Channel. As people experience and enjoy the waterfront through our programs, they become advocates for its revitalization.

The Red Hook boaters are giving Kayak lessons on Saturday, September 8 from 1-5 pm. Here is another East River waterfront organization, the Gowanus Dredgers, that provides boating lessons as well as stewardship of the river. The Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance, is probably the best clearinghouse for information on waterfront development and activities.

Since it is Friday and the weekend is nearly upon us, I am in the mood for some music. The video above is from one of my favorite bands, Great Big Sea, who hail from another island, Newfoundland in Canada. Many of their songs are about the sea so I thought it appropriate for this post. Also, featured in this video are The Chieftains, from another island, this one called Ireland.
Enjoy.