City to host another evening of free kayaking and paddle boarding

Published on August 26, 2019

Family Paddle Night is set for Sept. 6 at Riverside Park

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The City of Grand Rapids again will host a free kayaking and paddle boarding experience for the community. Family Paddle Night is set for 5 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 6 at Riverside Park, 2001 Monroe Ave. NE. It’s the second free paddling experience at Riverside Park offered by the City this summer.

During the event, single-passenger kayaks and stand-up paddle boards – provided by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department – will be available for free 20-minute rides in the lagoon on a first-come, first-served basis. Kayakers need to be at least 10 years old. Those who are younger than 16 need to be accompanied by an adult. Paddlers of all abilities are welcome. Participants may bring their own kayaks, paddle boards and canoes.

“After the success of the first Family Paddle Night event in May, we wanted to provide the community with another evening to celebrate our parks system,” said David Marquardt, parks and recreation director. “Riverside Park provides a unique experience of being engulfed in nature right outside the heart of the City.”

In addition to paddling experiences, Family Paddle Night will feature a cash-only beer garden, free campfire s’mores and carnival-style games on the lawn surrounding the lagoon. More than a dozen food trucks will be onsite 5 to 9 p.m. as part of Food Truck Fridays hosted by the Grand Rapids Food Truck Association and GR8 Food Trucks.