Five Rivers MetroParks received the 2007 Ohio Department of Natural Resources for Outstanding Boating Education Program Award. Five Rivers MetroParks was chosen for the award out of all 2006 ODNR Boating Education grant recipients. They used the grant to launch a paddling program, which has drawn over 500 participants since it’s inception in 2006. They also exposed thousands of area residents to paddling and paddling safety at events like Paddle in the Park, Gear Fest and The Adventure Summit.

Motivated by the 2007 award, Five Rivers MetroParks applied for an additional grant to continue their momentum. It worked! The Five Rivers MetroParks team was recently awarded a new grant from the ODNR Boating Safety Education Department. The additional funds will be used to purchase kayaks and equipment for a youth outreach.

Amy Dingle, Outdoor Recreation Coordinator for Five Rivers MetroParks, says they hope to use the grant to reach youth that are currently living less active lifestyles and get them interested in our lakes, rivers and the outdoors. “We are trying to bring youth alternative sports that may be of interest to them that will create lifelong active lifestyles that traditional sports may not be able to achieve and in the process connect them to nature,” says Dingle.

Much of the youth outreach will be executed in partnership with local community organizations and retail outfitters. These programs include:

• Working with Greater Dayton YMCA’s for programs with youth and community members including Kayak basics, youth sampler, roll sessions, and activities with the Teens in Action program.
• Working with Whitewater Warehouse, a retail outfitter near downtown Dayton, to create a kayak clinic series for beginner and intermediate whitewater paddlers, programs that include teaching recreation paddling through advance paddling for beginners, intermediate, and advance paddlers, as well as float trips down local rivers.
• Working with Great Miami Outfitters, a Miamisburg-based retail outfitter, on basic kayaking classes on local rivers.
• Working with the City of Miamisburg on an event for youth to learn the basics of kayaking, advance strokes and techniques and get them introduced to the sport.
• Offering Paddle in the Park at Eastwood MetroPark, a joint effort between Whitewater Warehouse, Dayton Canoe Club and Five Rivers MetroParks with support from Miami Conservancy District, Wright State University, Outdoor Adventure Club, Great Miami Outfitters and many more.

In addition, organizers are hoping to offer more river rescue type of classes to the community and educate about our rivers and what is in them to keep folks safe.

“It is our goal to introduce as many people as possible to the sport of paddling and give them avenues to advance their skills through local outfitters and within our parks,” says Dingle.