Paddle to Work Day Celebrates Water Transportation on Thursday, June 16th

June 10, 2005
Sue Jones, Watershed Management Coordinator, 224-3764 Diane Walder, 442-7248
Land & Water Resources

Paddling enthusiasts and anyone interested in commuting to their places of employment via Dane County waters are invited to bring their canoes, kayaks or other motorless watercraft to participate in Paddle to Work Day, Thursday, June 16. “This is a fun way to demonstrate how the lakes enhance our lives. Not only are Dane County’s lakes beautiful and provide a plethora of recreational activities, but they offer a pleasurable alternative to the daily work commute,” said Marcia Hartwig, Public Information Officer for Dane County’s Office of Lakes and Watersheds. Rutabaga Paddlesports, a Madison business, is supporting the event by providing shuttle service and boat loans for people who don’t own their own equipment. Reservations for a shuttle spot and/or a boat must be made by Tuesday, June 14. You may call Darren Kimbler at Rutabaga (223-9300) to reserve a shuttle spot and/or a boat if you would like to join the flotilla from Olbrich Park to Law Park on Lake Monona. There is no charge for the loan, which includes paddles and life vests. Paddlers have permission to cable their boats to inanimate objects for the day in Madison Parks. Paddlers traveling to the University may leave their boats at the UW Crew House on the Lake Mendota shore. Paddlers should use their own judgment about the weather on Thursday. Paddle on Friday instead if there are thunderstorms on Thursday a.m. If you paddle to work, please send an email to lakes@co.dane.wi.us with a short description of your experiences. This marks the seventh year of "Paddle to Work Day," a Yahara Lakes Week event. ###