Brockport Community Rowing: A Conversation with Kelley Stoll on Community and Access
Rowing programs don’t exist without people — volunteers, athletes, coaches, and community members who believe access to sport matters.
Recently, we hosted a Zoom conversation focused on Brockport Community Rowing, featuring Kelley Stoll, who shared her experience with rowing and her perspective on why community access to the sport is worth protecting.
Kelley spoke about how rowing has shaped her life — not just physically, but socially and emotionally. Like many community rowers, her story reflects what happens when people are given access to a sport that can be practiced across decades. Rowing becomes a source of connection, confidence, and belonging.
The conversation centered on what Brockport Community Rowing offers beyond competition. Community rowing programs create opportunities for:
- Lifelong physical activity
- Mentorship and shared responsibility
- Positive use of public waterfront space
- Connection across ages and backgrounds
We also discussed the current challenges facing Brockport Community Rowing, particularly around municipal understanding and long-term support. Like many grassroots programs, rowing depends on collaboration with local leadership to remain viable. When decision-makers understand the broader value of these programs, communities benefit.
This conversation wasn’t about blame or urgency for urgency’s sake. It was about visibility — helping people see why community rowing matters and why it deserves thoughtful support.
If rowing has impacted your life, or if you believe Brockport should continue to have access to community-based rowing, this is an opportunity to speak up.
Write Your Letter Today
One meaningful way to support Brockport Community Rowing is by sending a short letter of support to the Village of Brockport.
A few sentences explaining why community rowing matters — to you, to public health, or to Brockport — can make a real difference.
Brockport Town Hall
127 Main Street
Brockport, NY 14420
Village Officials:
Mayor Ben Reed — [email protected]
Trustee Donald E. Roberts, Jr — [email protected]
Trustee Joanne M. Bocach — [email protected]
Trustee Wendy Dunham — [email protected]
Trustee Sandeep Singh — [email protected]
Thank you for supporting community rowing and helping keep access to the sport alive.
If you need assistance with getting your training on track as you age check out Square Performance, Rowing on the Square's training performance community!