On Sunday 26 July 2009 a plaque commemorating the construction and official opening of the canoe launching steps at Wittons Reserve was unveiled by long standing Kirinari Members, Max Kerr and Glenise Karanikich in the presence of Cr Stephen Mayne from Manningham council.
The steps were originally constructed by Kirinari Kayak Club volunteers with assistance and donations from a number of individuals, canoe clubs and organisations including Canoeing Victoria.
The plaque was cast in 1996 when the steps were officially opened by Lorraine Elliott MLA. The plaque itself was not mounted on the specially positioned rock at the time due to concerns about vandalism.
Since then Wittons Reserve has been completely landscaped and beautified and the steps improved and upgraded by Manningham council and Melbourne Water.
As a result of these works it was deemed safe to finally mount the plaque in its chosen location. This was done with the kind assistance of Manningham Council.
This project is indicative of the tenacity, patience and dedication of paddlers with a vision to improve the facilities and environment for all paddlers to enjoy.
