The coronavirus pandemic led to the cancellation of a number of activities across the county during the past year, but the Leadership Butler County Class of 2020 would not be denied in completing its project.

Although the Butler County Chamber of Commerce decided to cancel the 2021 leadership class amid the pandemic — and resume with a 2022 class — the 2020 group, which started about two years ago, has finally brought its project to fruition.

As a result, county residents will now be able to use an accessible kayak dock built by the Class of 2020 at Moraine State Park.

“I’m very proud that my class actually pulled this off,” said Michele Konyha, chairwoman of the 2020 class.

We are too. We offer the Class of 2020 our congratulations and thanks for pulling off this feat, and not letting a once-in-a-century pandemic put a stop to it.

The Class of 2020 raised money during a Murder Mystery dinner fundraiser, a virtual kayak raffle and a second kayak raffle to be conducted Aug. 8.

The specialized dock includes multiple features that help people with mobility or other limitations to get into the water with less difficulty.

Jordan Grady, executive director of the chamber of commerce, said the approximately $50,000 project was one of the larger ones taken on by any Leadership Butler County class.

This is especially impressive, considering the limitations placed on most people during a year of COVID-19 restrictions. It’s also an important — and well-timed — undertaking.

Parks officials recently told the Eagle that despite the pandemic winding down and restrictions being eased, county residents are still heavily utilizing parks and other outdoor recreation spots.

The new specialized dock — located on the South Shore in the Pleasant Valley boat loop — will encourage even more people to do so. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. Aug. 7 during the Moraine State Park Regatta.

“This will be a project they will be remembered for, for a very long time, if not forever,” Grady said of the class and its project.

We agree. We’re impressed that the class worked through a challenging time when much of the county was shut down to complete this project. The fruits of their labor will long remain a benefit to their community.

— NCD