Racine Mayor Gary Becker, State Representative Cory Mason of Racine, and DOA Secretary Michael Morgan will join the River Alliance of Wisconsin and the Root River Council on Saturday, May 3rd, to lead a flotilla down the Root River through the heart of downtown Racine. The event will highlight a new collaboration among residents, business owners, conservationists and city planners to develop a revitalization plan for the Root River waterfront along its downtown course. “People don’t often think of Racine as a river town, but the truth is our city wouldn’t be what it is today without the Root,” says Representative Cory Mason (D-Racine). “I’m proud of the efforts to make the Root River a clean, fun and beautiful destination. It’s exciting to see so many local residents and business using this precious resource.”
Community leaders, working with the River Alliance and the Root River Council, are turning their attention to an overlooked but valuable resource in the City of Racine – the namesake Root River that bisects it. Over the last year there has been a community dialogue on strategies to create a vibrant River District that will bring people down to the river in downtown. During the paddle participants will learn about and comment on the proposed recommendations that will be in a Root River revitalization plan. The plan is scheduled to be released this summer.
“This paddle will be a great opportunity to enjoy springtime in Racine from a unique vantage point: while floating down the river. Not many of us get to see our cities from the water and it gives you a real appreciation of how wonderful it is to have this natural river flowing through the middle of a densely populated city,” says Denny Caneff, River Alliance Executive Director.
The paddle is part of the Root River Revival, a day long event to celebrate the Root River. All of the events will take place at UW-Parkside’s Root River Environmental Education Community Center (REC), 1301 6th Street. The REC Center is celebrating its grand opening from 12:00-4:00pm on the same day. The paddling event is open to the public, but space is limited.
For more information about the paddle contact Allison Werner, River Alliance Root River Coordinator, at 608.257.2424 x113 or by e-mail: awerner@wisconsinrivers.org, or download and mail a registration form from our website: www.wisconsinrivers.org/events. To learn more about the Root River revitalization project go to, www.backtotheroot.org. To learn more about REC’s grand opening go to www.uwp.edu, keyword REC.
DETAILS OF THE PADDLE:
When: Saturday, May 3, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00p.m.
Where: UW-Parkside’s Root River Environmental Education Community Center (REC) 1301 6th Street.
Cost: $10 per person and $10 for a boat rental.
A limited number of canoes and kayaks will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact us if you are interested.
Advance registration is required.
Agenda:
9:30-10 a.m.: Boat drop off
10-10:30 a.m.: Welcome by Representative Mason. Brief presentations by Mayor Becker and Secretary Morgan on the links between revitalizing the Root River, the economic vitality of the City of Racine and restoration of Great Lakes.
10:30 a.m.– 12 p.m.: Paddle downtown and park sections of the river
12 p.m.: Canoe take-out followed by REC Grand Opening.
Sponsored by Alliant Energy, DeWitt Ross & Stevens, Madison Gas & Electric, Mercury Marine Organic Valley, and The Nature Conservancy. Refreshments courtesy of Wilson’s Coffee and Tea and O&H Danish Bakery.
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