Rollin’ on the river: Paddle w/the Provost agenda

Friday afternoon, the Paddle with the Provost crew hits the Root River in Racine. Hosted by University of Wisconsin-Parkside Provost Terry Brown and featuring several special guests, we will open the Root River Environmental Education Community Center (REC) at 1 p.m. and enjoy the river and the REC for the next three hours.

"Our afternoon together at the REC is shaping up to be a great gathering with representation from faculty, staff, and students as well as a handful of special  community partners," Center for Community Partnerships Director of Community Development Mark Gesner said in an email to participants.

Gesner said the agenda for the afternoon will be in three parts. It starts with a brief ribbon cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. that includes Wisconsin State Rep. Cory Mason, Racine Mayor John Dickert, and the sixth grade class of the 21st Century Preparatory School. Following the ceremony, paddlers will go for a one hour canoe/kayak ride on the Root River.

"We will conclude with a discussion on the front deck of the REC as we consider together how to make the most of this ripe environment for engaged scholarship," Provost Brown stated.

The REC is located at 1301 W. 6th St., a short distance from downtown Racine. Look for the balloons attached to the REC sign by the street.

Gesner advises paddles to dress in comfortable clothes and "footwear that can get wet." Prior to embarking on the river, participants will be provided with a life jacket, safety instructions, and paddling tips. And everyone is asked to read and sign the liability waiver form they received with Mark's email and to have it ready when you come to the event to expedite boarding the boats.  

Provost Brown added, "If you are not available on May 18, I encourage you to visit the REC at some point this summer to explore the river, rain gardens, trails, and surrounding vegetation that characterize this special urban oasis." 

More information about the REC is available on the UW-Parkside web site.

In the photo, from left, Rep. Cory Mason and Racine Mayor John Dickert accompany Chancellor Debbie Ford and Provost Terry Brown to the water during a 2011 river excursion.

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ABOUT THIS STORY:

Story Status: Archived
Publish date: 5/17/2012

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