“Canoemobile” Back For 6th Year

Photo: Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation

The “Canoemobile” is making its annual stop in Louisville on October 3-7, bringing fun and exploration through free trips for all ages on 24-foot Voyageur canoes on the Ohio River. The program, locally in its sixth year, is organized by Louisville Parks and Recreation’s Natural Areas Division based at Jefferson Memorial Forest in partnership with Wilderness Inquiry, Inc. of Minneapolis.

Additional funding support is being provided by the United States Forest Service through the Outdoor Foundation. The Canoemobile will offer trips from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Shawnee Park on Friday, Oct. 6, and at Riverview Park on Saturday, Oct.7 from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

On Tuesday-Thursday, Oct. 3-5, the Louisville ECHO (Louisville is Engaging Children in the Outdoors) initiative, facilitated by JMF/Natural Areas, will host education days at Riverview Park with Chenoweth, Portland, and Coral Ridge elementary schools as part of the Canoemobile program. As part of this education day, students will canoe as well as learn about erosion and insects.

On Friday, JMF will be launching our first canoe built in our #CanoesBuildCommunity program, with assistance from Steam Exchange and Cabbage Patch Settlement House. The program inspires confidence and encourages ownership of paddling through kid-built canoes, from start to finish. With support from Canoe Kentucky, partners build canoes to keep.

“The Canoemobile program is a fun and safe way to introduce kids to the outdoors and part of our mission to expand outdoor recreation opportunities in the Louisville area,” said Seve Ghose, Director of Louisville Parks and Recreation. “We encourage everyone who is interested to come and take advantage of this great opportunity.”

The Voyageur canoes are safe, stable and can carry 9 participants per trip. Safety equipment and trained staff will be provided. Organizers suggest wearing comfortable outdoor clothing that can get wet, but no flip-flops. Water coolers will be available, so bring a refillable water bottle. Food also will be available for purchase.

Pre-registration is not required, and all trips will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Trips will leave every 30 minutes. All participants must sign a waiver, and those under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. Forms can be found at memorialforest.com.

SCHEDULE

Friday, October 6
10 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Shawnee Park 4501 West Broadway 40211
* Event is located at the end of Southwestern Parkway on the north side of the park

Saturday, October 7
10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Riverview Park 8202 Greenwood Rd 40258