The Kayak Program
Program Details: It could be open longer than the 3 months the current kayaking programs operate to enhance youth and school participation in kayaking and to optimize the kayak season.
It will likely need to be staffed by a year-round director and 4 seasonal workers. It would be open up to 6 days a week. It should be run as a for-profit business by an approved vendor.
This Park-adjacent section of the River is a ‘soft-bottom’ stretch with scenic vegetation on the banks and slow moving water, as pictured here.
We are raising funds for a kayak program that will consist of: a boathouse to be located nearly the Welcome Pavilion, a nearby Take-Out and a Put-in on the ‘Box-tie” section of the Taylor Yard Park. Both would have steps down to the river and a ‘slide’ for raising and lower kayaks on the sloped concrete banks. There would also be a passenger van and tailer to transport guests up river to the Put-in.
Guest Experience: Kayakers will be able to rent all the gear at the Boathouse for around $30 per guest, be transported via bikes or in a van to the Put-In, helped into the water there, then paddle downstream 1.2 mile to the Take-out. Guided tours would also be offered.
The Boathouse: about 3000 sq ft. with space for 25 rental kayaks, 30 paddles, 30 helmets, 30 life jackets, 40 river shores, a repair table, 5 carts for transport of kayaks back from the river, additional space for other gear and a repair table, the check-in area, offices , and a covered outdoor patio where kayaks and gear can be prepped and where staff and participants can take cover from the sun and watch a mandatory safety video.
