This seems like it could be a nice addition for Sturgeon Bay! Kayak Share Stations. (We are alongside a National Scenic Trail, the National Ice Age Trail).
"People can now rent kayaks from Paddle Share stations on the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities, and return them a few miles downstream.
"The National Park Service is behind this first-of-its-kind program that allows paddlers to rent a single-person kayak from a designated paddle-share station within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, paddle around for a few hours, and then drop it off when their allotted time is up.
"How it works: The National Park Service requires paddlers to be at least 18 years old and have some experience kayaking before taking advantage of the Paddle Share program. If that’s you, visit the Paddle Share website here and click “make a reservation” on the map to choose where you want to pick up your kayak and when. (Each station has 16 kayaks, according to the Mississippi River Paddle Share Facebook page.) You can choose between morning (8 a.m. to noon); afternoon (2 p.m. to 6 p.m.) or all day (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Then pay online with a credit card – it’s $30 for four hours or $60 for the full day. After paying, you’ll be emailed a 10-digit access code that will unlock the Paddle Share locker. Inside you’ll find your kayak, a paddle and a life vest – and then you’re good to go. Just remember to return the equipment to the return stations at Boom Island Park before your time is up.
"The stations are located near Nice Ride bike share stations, so people can paddle one way and then bike back along the river.
"This Paddle Share program is part of the Mississippi Park Connection’s Alternative Transportation Plan of 2012. It costs $215,000, but a federal grant, plus a donation from REI cover all the program costs. Over the next five years, the park hopes to expand the program throughout the 72-mile river corridor, the Mississippi River Paddle Share Facebook page says."
Nancy Aten
(Sent via Center Line Community Forum)