Published September 14, 2023
No kayak? No problem! Explore ways to paddle at Eastwood MetroPark
Interactive fountains may be turned off and pools closed, but people can still stay active on the water in Five Rivers MetroParks.
MetroParks has partnered with two vendors to offer park visitors kayak rentals. One of the vendors, Rent!Fun, is new to the region and the other, Taiter’s Kayak Solutions, has been offering rentals at RiverScape MetroPark the past two summers.
The public is invited to try rentals from both vendors on Thursday, Sept. 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Eastwood MetroPark lake side (adjacent to Blue Lake), 401 Harshman Rd.
Staff from Taiter’s Kayak Solutions will rent kayaks for $10 per hour and provide basic safety information and instruction, along with lifejackets.
Visitors also can try the Rent!Fun option, a new MetroParks pilot program at Eastwood MetroPark lake side. Four sit-on-top kayaks are available at self-service lockers in the personal watercraft area, located between Blue Lake and Eastwood Lake at the end of the park’s access road. Visitors use the Rent!Fun app to access kayaks, which include a paddle and lifejacket, for two-hour rentals for $20. When finished, visitors return the equipment to the locker. Two changing stations are available on site. Rent!Fun kayaks will be available to rent through Oct. 31.
“The Rent!Fun kayak station is a great way for people, especially beginners, to try paddlesports in still water without having to purchase equipment,” said Amy Dingle, director of outdoor connections. “Our region is so rich in water resources and paddlesport opportunities, kayaking is an activity that allows people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature.”
Other fall paddling rental opportunities are available at RiverScape MetroPark, where Taiter’s Kayak Solutions will rent kayaks during select events through September (weather dependent). Taiter’s also will be running Try Paddlesports at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience on Oct. 7 and 8 at Eastwood MetroPark park side, 1385 Harshman Rd. Try Paddlesports allows festival-goers to try paddling a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard in the Eastwood Lagoon free of charge.
Paddlers are required to wear a properly fitted lifejacket at all times when on or near water. For additional paddling resources — including maps, safety information and more — visit metroparks.org/paddle or metroparks.org/parkwaysonline. If the Sept. 21 event is cancelled due to inclement weather, information will be posted at metorparks.org/alerts.
