Five Rivers MetroParks will add to its offerings at RiverScape Rentals this weekend when it opens a new paddlesport rental option at RiverScape MetroPark.
Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals begin this Saturday, June 15, and will be held on select dates throughout the summer. This pilot program is being offered in partnership with Whitewater Warehouse and is supported by the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation.
Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals will be offered on the following dates:
June
- Saturday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Saturday, June 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
July
- Friday, July 5, from 4 to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, July 13, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Saturday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (during the Dayton Celtic Festival)
- Sunday, July 28, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (during the Dayton Celtic Festival)
August
- Friday, Aug. 2, from 4 to 8 p.m. (during Five Rivers MetroParks’ Pickin’ in the Park)
- Saturday, Aug. 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (during the GermanFest Picnic)
- Saturday, Aug. 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rental sales end one hour before closing times. Inflatable solo and tandem kayaks and inflatable stand-up paddleboards will be available for $15 per hour, per person.
Visitors will receive at least one full hour of paddling in the Great Miami River. They can paddle in the river area from RiverScape MetroPark to Deeds Point MetroPark. If they choose, visitors also can paddle through the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights and theRiverScape River Run whitewater feature.
“The new paddlesport rentals are targeted at beginner and first-time paddlers, and the inflatable vessels are designed for those new to paddling to have a fun, successful experience,” said Sam Davis, Five Rivers MetroParks regional manager of business operations. “The rentals will help introduce people to an outdoor recreation activity that helps them enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle and connect with nature — right in the heart of downtown Dayton at RiverScape MetroPark.”
Whitewater Warehouse will provide visitors with brief instruction prior to entering the water, which will include a safety tutorial. Whitewater Warehouse staff also will help visitors get into their vessels and will be in the river to help guide those who paddle through the RiverScape River Run whitewater feature.
All visitors will be required to wear a properly fitted lifejacket, and those who paddle through RiverScape RiverRun will be required to wear helmets. Both will be included with the rental, along with other safety equipment.
Swimming is prohibited in the Great Miami River, but visitors should come prepared to get wet.
“The Dayton region is home to many great places to enjoy paddling, and this new RiverScape Rentals option will allow more people in our community to experience this outdoor activity,” RiverScape MetroPark Manager Meredith Adamisin said. “For a minimal investment in an environment designed for success, people can give paddlesports a try and enjoy the unique regional amenities of RiverScape MetroPark, such as the Five Rivers Fountain of Lights and RiverScape RiverRun.”
“The paddlesport rentals also will show people how easy it is to paddle whitewater right here in downtown Dayton,” Adamisin added. “We hope visitors will go on to explore other paddling programs and opportunities with Five Rivers MetroParks.”
Visitors must be at least 8 years old and weigh at least 50 pounds to participate. Children ages 8 to 13 must paddle with an adult in a tandem kayak. More information about age and weight requirements, along with other details, is available at metroparks.org/rentals.
The paddlesport rentals join RiverScape Rentals’ existing bike and child accessory rentals.
