News Summary
Grand Rapids has launched free family paddle nights at Riverside Park, inviting families to explore kayaking while enjoying the outdoors. With on-site safety instructions and 20-minute kayak sessions, the program promotes healthy family activities. The last event is on August 15, and kayak rentals are available every Saturday at a low price. Featuring a significant investment in accessible facilities, Riverside Park is a prime destination for recreational activities and enhances community engagement through outdoor events.
Grand Rapids has introduced free family paddle nights at Riverside Park, taking place on Friday afternoons and evenings. This engaging initiative is part of the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation summer program, aimed at encouraging families to participate in recreational activities while enjoying the great outdoors.
Recreation Program Technical Supervisor Sam Truby noted that these paddle nights present a unique opportunity for families to try kayaking for the first time. The city has ensured that safety is a priority by providing on-site safety lessons and kayak instruction for all participants. Attendees can take advantage of 20-minute kayak sessions on the serene lagoon at Riverside Park, allowing them to explore the water and observe local wildlife, including the majestic Great Blue Heron.
The program emphasizes promoting healthy activities that foster family bonding and physical exercise. The last of the free family paddle nights for this summer is scheduled for August 15, running from 4 to 8 p.m. Families interested in participating do not need to make prior appointments, making it convenient for those looking to enjoy a last-minute outdoor experience.
Life jackets are provided by the city, accommodating individuals of all body sizes. It is important to note that children under 10 years old must be accompanied by an adult in a tandem kayak, while any participant under 18 requires adult supervision. These measures are in place to ensure the safety of all participants, particularly younger children.
In addition to the free paddle nights, the city is facilitating kayak rentals every Saturday through August from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a fee of $5 per hour. This offers another opportunity for individuals and families to experience the beauty of kayaking on the Grand River.
Riverside Park, which spans over 100 acres, provides a vast recreational space that includes paved trails, sports fields, and accessible kayak launch facilities. This kayak launch was part of a significant investment of $985,000, approved in 2021, and designed to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The park’s location is convenient, situated less than 10 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, making it a popular destination for a variety of recreational activities.
Moreover, the Grand River is recognized as a valuable recreational resource, contributing to the community’s lifestyle and outdoor activities. The recent designation of the Lower Grand River as a water trail has enhanced access for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, which has made it even more attractive for outdoor enthusiasts. The Lower Grand River features 35 public access points and is known as Michigan’s longest water trail.
The U.S. Rowing Association is currently considering Riverside Park for future rowing events, citing the river’s suitable conditions for water sports. This potential development indicates the growing interest in utilizing the river for a wide range of activities.
This summer, GR Outside, a segment of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation, reported a total of 2,000 participants in outdoor events, including family paddle nights. Such participation highlights the community’s enthusiasm for outdoor recreation and the positive impact of programs such as these in fostering community engagement and promoting an active, healthy lifestyle for families.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM 13: Free Family Paddle Night
- Blue Ridge Outdoors: Hard Knocks and Lessons in Multiday Paddling
- MSN: Riverside Park to Host Free Kayaking in Grand Rapids
- MLive: Splash into the Grand River Using This Park’s Kayak Launch
- Northern Express: Witches on the Water
- Wikipedia: Kayaking
- Google Search: Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation
- Google Scholar: Water Trails in Michigan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Outdoor Recreation
- Google News: Grand River
