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Penn's Landing Get On The Water Program Opens In Philadelphia
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The Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation are partnering to bring back the popular "Paddle Penn's Landing" program, which features kayaks and foot-pedaled swan boats.
Beginning Memorial Day weekend, outdoor enthusiasts, families and kayakers of all levels can rent boats and enjoy the river in a safe and supervised environment. The program will be operated on-site by Hidden River Outfitters, Philadelphia's premier kayak outfitting company.
"As part of Philadelphia's goal of becoming the greenest city in America, we want to encourage those who live in, work in and visit Philadelphia to participate in the many outdoor activities our city has to offer," said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. "Over the past two years, nearly 4,000 people have participated in the experience, and I applaud the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Delaware River Waterfront Corporation for their continued efforts in creating outdoor recreation opportunities. Let's get paddling on the river and have some fun!"
The "Paddle Penn's Landing" program is open to the public on Fridays from 4:00 -8:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon - 8:00 p.m. The kayaks and swan boats launch from the Penn's Landing Marina, just south of the Independence Seaport Museum and Ferry Dock, where the water is calm and where boaters will be far removed from the boat traffic of the Delaware River.
The kayaking program is available for experienced and first-time paddlers, however, participants must be 12 years of age or older. Kayak rental is $8 per person and includes a 10-minute overview introduction to the sport, as well as instruction on basic strokes, safety tips and supervision while on the water. Eight solo kayaks and three two-person kayaks are available for rent.
The pedal swan boats also cost $10 per person and are ideal for families with children under the age of 12, or for boaters who would like to leisurely experience the Delaware River and enjoy the great views. The 12 swan boats available for rent are easily powered by foot pedals and can seat two people and a small child. All kayak and swan boat participants will be required to wear life jackets.
"Too few Philadelphians get to experience the Delaware River, and PEC is determined to change that," said Patrick Starr, Senior Vice President of PEC's Southeast Region. "Paddle Penn's Landing is a way for folks to 'get their feet wet' and will be transformative for them as they touch the water and learn about the River's importance to their lives. It's our goal to get 5,000 people on the water this year!"
"Paddle Penn's Landing" staff will also educate participants about the environmental and economic value of the Delaware River.
In addition to being available to the public, DRWC and PEC will offer free kayaking and swan boating to Philadelphia Parks and Recreation teen campers in July and August on Friday mornings before the program opens to the public, enabling City teens to enjoy the river and to help them be more active and fit.
The fun begins with an educational scavenger hunt throughout the Independence Seaport Museum, which is filled with nautical art, artifacts, and intricate ship models. Following the scavenger hunt, campers will have the option of participating in a half-hour introductory kayaking program or taking to the water in foot-pedaled swan boats.
Last year's program filled quickly. With additional funding from DuPont Clear Into the Future, the free program will expand this year to provide kids from Camden with the opportunity to experience Paddle Penn's Landing.
"This program furthers the civic vision and mission of DRWC: to reconnect Philadelphia with the river," said Tom Corcoran, President of DRWC. "We are excited to team up again with PEC, the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation and the Independence Seaport Museum to offer a free waterfront educational program for teens that includes kayaking with instruction along with interactive educational programs produced by the Philadelphia Water Department and the Independence Seaport Museum."
For more information on "Paddle Penn's Landing," visit the Delaware Water Trail website. Click Here for information on other water trails in Pennsylvania.
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5/9/2011 |
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