Dedication held of new kayak launch area on Wickham Lake

On Tuesday, July 13, the Town of Warwick unveiled a sign and dedicated a new kayak launch area on Wickham Lake in Wickham Woodlands Park on the grounds of the former Mid-Orange Correctional Facility.

The new kayak launch area was dedicated in memory of Elizabeth “Betty” Rampe, an avid kayaker and the late wife of Joe Rampe, a former Orange County Executive and Town of Warwick Supervisor.

Current Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton and Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michael Johndrow joined Joe Rampe, his family, friends and associates for the unveiling of the sign and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the launch site.

The new kayak launch materials, costing more than $12,000, were donated by the Rampe family and the site work and installation were performed by the Town of Warwick Department of Public Works.

“Betty Rampe,” Sweeton said, “was an avid kayaker who enjoyed the beauty and diversity of our town’s natural environment. We are very grateful that Joe and his family chose our beautiful Wickham Woodlands as the place to pay tribute to this remarkable lady. Please bring your family and enjoy the park’s newest amenity.”

Older Warwick residents may recall that Joe Rampe was also a pharmacist and, after marrying the former Elizabeth Ann Dietz, he opened Lake Pharmacy in Greenwood Lake.

He also served as president of the Greenwood Lake Chamber of Commerce, the library board and the Town of Warwick Zoning Appeals Board.

- Roger Gavan