Licking Park District is preparing to open the floodgates for paddlers in Licking County this summer, thanks to a new grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
The district is one of 14 agencies to receive a portion of funds from the ODNR for boating education and safety – as well as for new kayaks, paddleboards and flotation devices. Of the overall $350,000 grant allocated for boating safety from ODNR, the Licking Park District will receive $20,171.
The grant will allow the Licking Park District to purchase new equipment and expand existing water programs in the district, but will also aid the organization in hosting more events and activities, including: boating try-it events, skill courses, river paddles, women’s events, summer camps and work with scout troops.
For those in Licking County who have been feeling quite dry with their typical summer routines, now may be the perfect time to pick up a paddle.
Personal flotation devices (PFDs), stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), tandem and longer kayaks, and a trailer for storage are all going to be purchased through this grant, according to Licking Park District Director Kyle Lund.
With the addition of tandem and longer kayaks, the Licking Park District hopes to expand on the accessibility of their boating programs.
Lund said the district’s priority – especially with the purchase of new equipment – is safety and education. Therefore, if you don’t have your sea legs under you – the park district will help you find them.
“We’re really trying to educate as much as anything else,” Lund said.
That means in addition to new equipment, the district plans to increase the number of classes it offers addressing training and safety education.
One such training includes rescue classes where people can come learn how to safely navigate a capsize on Mirror Lake in Infirmary Mound Park. Skill courses which used to only be offered on flat water, such as Mirror Lake, will now be available on local rivers as well. Eventually, the district plans to offer an adaptive kayaking class that will bring in outside instructors and even add a new certified instructor to their team to increase all class sizes.
“It’s amazing how many people, even adults, come through the try-its that are outdoor adventures who have never tried kayaking before,” Lund said. “Then once they do it, they’re in love with it. And some people even come back and wait in line again that same day.”
Anne Balogh, the program manager for Licking Park District, compiled the application for the grant.
“The goal was simply to expand our capacity and continue to get the message across of boating safety,” said Balogh.
Balogh and Lund are excited about the grant and what it means for people in Licking County. Because of this funding, more people will be able to experience Licking County at its finest and recreate in a way that is maybe not as common in the county.
The Licking Park District is hoping to change the way people in Licking County think about outdoor time. With the addition of more classes and opportunities, they’re hoping the people of Licking county will be swimming in choices for how to recreate.
“Every chance I get, I’m on the water,” Lund said. “You can almost meditate and exercise at the same time. It’s so mind clearing,” said Lund, the Director of Licking Park District.
For Balogh, watersport safety has a multitude of components – but personal floatation devices are on the top of her list.
“You need them with you, but to wear them is better,” Balogh said.
Both Balogh and Lund are more excited about the training they will be able to provide with this new equipment than the equipment itself. By purchasing more kayaks, SUPs and personal flotation devices; the Licking Park District’s watersport programs will grow in size and accessibility.
In addition to the classes and events, Licking Park District does offer kayak and SUP rentals at Infirmary Mound park. For $25, participants can get two hour equipment rentals ($15 for each additional hour) or for $50, they can get a full day of paddling in.
Lund and Balogh are both passionate about getting people outdoors, and believe paddling is a great way to do it. Not only can it be a great workout, but it isn’t expensive and participants don’t need to be particularly skilled.
Paddling opportunities will not be available until the weather warms up quite a bit. In the meantime, you can always contact Licking Park District online or by phone to learn more about their programs, courses and events. When those warmer months arrive, sign-up can be done under the “Programs and Events” tab on Licking Park District’s website.
Andrew Theophilus writes for TheReportingProject.org, the nonprofit news organization of Denison University’s Journalism program, which is supported by generous donations from readers. Sign up for The Reporting Project newsletter here.