1301 W. 6th Street Racine, WI
Rental operation Open Memorial Day to Labor Day
Contact:
262-595-2651 (scheduling & registration)
262-818-4200 * Only during rental hours
About REC 
The Root River Environmental Education Community Center (REC), created through a partnership between the City of Racine Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services and the University of Wisconsin-Parksid with support from the Wisconsin Coastal Management Grant program and UW-Extension, celebrated a Grand Opening in May 2008. Located west of downtown Racine, the REC is downstream of many acres of urban parkland on the banks of the Root River, and upstream of the Racine Harbor. The Root River Pathway connects the REC to the Lake Michigan Pathway and the NorthShore Bicycle Path.
In an attempt to increase appreciation of the Lake Michigan watershed, the REC offers the community opportunities for interaction with the natural world through recreation and education, in an urban setting.
The impetus to protect something is derived from its perceived value; value is the result of personal interaction and relationships; relationships take time. The REC aims to increase the amount of time members of the community spend interacting with the Root River and Lake Michigan ecosystems in hopes of rearing a sense of stewardship throughout the community.
The REC aims to demonstrate to the community affordable, ecologically-sound methods of landscaping, construction, and recreation. To-date, many environmentally-friendly innovations require large capital investments such as solar panels, wind turbines, and hybrid vehicles. Although these are great for the earth, and are a definite direction to head toward collectively, few families can afford the substantial capital outlay these solutions require. The REC aims to demonstrate simple yet powerful, environmentally-friendly lifestyle changes that have a positive influence on the environment within which we live…. Racine, WI.
Fees
Fees are subject to change without notification. Please use this as guideline as you plan for a program or event.
School Program
$2/student
One adult should accompany every 15 students. Adults are expected to be active and attentive supervisors. There is no charge for adult chaperones
Public Programs
Public program fees are determined by the group or individual presenting the program. Please contact the REC coordinator for more details.
Rentals
The REC offers public rental from Memorial Day to Labor Day during the following hours
Public rental hours from Memorial Day to Labor Day
Thursday and Friday 4pm-7:30pm
Saturday 9am-6pm
Sunday 12pm-6pm
Please contact the REC coordinator for off season public rental hours.
Group Paddling
Individuals wishing to schedule a group paddle may do so by appointment only. Appointments must be made 24 hours in advance to allow for appropriate equipment and adequate staffing. Please try to schedule group paddle programs outside of the public rental hours. Again, ensures that there will be appropriate equipment and adequate staffing.
Total paddling capacity is 22 individuals with room for three instructor/guides.
$50/2 hours for up to 22 individuals. This includes sizing equipment, instruction and time on the river.
Paddling
Canoes/Tandem Kayaks* $7/hr, $30/24hrs [1 hr minimum]
Single Kayaks* $5/hr, $30/24hrs [1 hr minimum]
Bicycles- vintage/classics $2/hr [5 hr minimum]
GPS Units $10/3 hrs
Youth Fishing Equipment Free for on-site use [13 yrs old and under]
* Tie downs not supplied for off-site rentals. All rentals require a valid ID and/or credit card as deposit.
The facility and equipment are available for private, group, and community rentals Monday-Wednesday; including birthday parties, picnics, work parties, and fundraisers.Facility available for group and private rental - $50/hr (equipment rentals at $2 per person)
Memberships
$300 - Corporate
- 30 /1 hour equipment passes to distribute to employees.
- Complimentary 3 hour facility rental (equipment rentals at $2 per person).
$100 – Tree Hugger
- 4 complimentary watercraft rentals (1 hr)*
- 4 complimentary bicycle rentals (5 hr)*
- 4 complimentary GPS rentals (3 hr)*
- 50% discount on REC sponsored workshops/classes
$60 - Green Thumb
- 2 complimentary watercraft rentals (1 hr)*
- 2 complimentary bicycle rentals (5 hr)*
- 2 complimentary GPS rentals (3 hr)*
- 25% discount on REC sponsored workshops/classes
$35 - Gardener
- 1 complimentary watercraft rental (1 hr)*
- 1 complimentary bicycle rental (5 hr)*
- 1 complimentary GPS rentals (3 hr)*
- 25% discount on REC sponsored workshops/classes
*50% off additional rentals. Please call for group rates. Scholarships are available.
Volunteers or Donations
We welcome any volunteer assistance or donations.
- Donations of time for various programs and projects
- Donations of eco-friendly recreational equipment (kayaks, canoes, PFDs, bikes, etc.)
- Donations of furniture (chairs, desks, display boards, etc.)
- Donations of construction materials and/or in-kind support for facility renovations
- Donations (or loans) of educational materials and/or displays
- Financial contributions of any amount
If you are interested in learning more or making a contribution, please contact:
John Skalbeck (262-595-2490)
Assistant Professor of Geosciences, Director of the Environmental Studies Program
Theresa Ford (262-595-2651)
Americorps* Vista
Justin Lundell (262-595-2651)
Americorps* Vista
Interested parties are also encouraged to email Theresa Ford to join with other Friends of the Centers. The Friends of the Centers will receive periodic updates and invitations to future strategic planning sessions.
Financial contributions are tax-deductable and can be made online (please list "CEDAR FUND" in the final box on the form to make ensure your contribution supports the center).
Checks can be made payable to:UW-Parkside - REC
UW-Parkside Center for Community Partnerships
c/o John Skalbeck
UW-Parkside Center for Community Partnerships
900 Wood Road, Box 2000
Kenosha, WI 53141
