Mayor Welcomes Delaware River Sojourn Kayakers and Announces New Free Kayak Program at Penn's Landing

At the conclusion of the Delaware River Sojourn today, Mayor Michael Nutter announced a free kayaking program coming to Penn's Landing this summer, presented by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. The Mayor made the announcement as he greeted nearly 60 kayakers who participated in the final day of the Delaware River Sojourn, a week-long paddle down sections of the Delaware River. The Mayor was also recognized as one of the Sojourn's Lord High Admirals, an honor bestowed upon those who have made contributions to the Delaware River and its protection.

"Today's sojourners had the opportunity to kayak on the Tidal Delaware Water Trail, one of Pennsylvania's 20 designated water trails," explained Patrick Starr, Senior Vice President of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, a co-organizer of both the Sojourn and the free kayaking program. "We're showing people that they can have fun on the river in Philadelphia -- whether it's a day-long trip like the sojourn, or 20 minutes of free paddling in the marina."

The free kayaking program will begin July 11th (anticipated start date). It will offer Philadelphians and visitors the opportunity to paddle around the Penn's Landing Marina under the supervision of trained kayak staff.

Kayaking will be offered Thursday and Friday evenings from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be six solo kayaks and one tandem kayak available.

"During the Civic Vision planning process, Philadelphians overwhelmingly expressed their desire for better access to the Delaware River," said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. "We're excited to bring this new free kayaking program to Penn's Landing, not only bringing residents and visitors to the Delaware River, but enabling them to enjoy a new amenity where they can actually get into the Delaware River." Funding for the free kayak program comes from the Take Me to the River grant program, administered by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission with funding from the William Penn Foundation.

Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) is a nonprofit corporation organized exclusively for the benefit of the City of Philadelphia and its citizens. DRWC acts as the steward of the Delaware River waterfront to provide a benefit to all of the citizens and visitors of the City.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council promotes the protection and restoration of the natural and built environments through innovation, collaboration, education and advocacy with the private sector, government, individuals and communities as partners to improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians. PEC recently released the Tidal Delaware Water Trail map and web site, which guides boaters, sailors and kayakers to boat launches, amenities, safety considerations, and nearly 40 points of interest along the Delaware River from Morrisville to Marcus Hook.

More information for the free kayaking program at Penn's Landing can be found at www.pecpa.org or www.delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com