REI to provide free outdoor activities
Outdoor retailer REI is introducing itself to the Chattanooga market with a weekend of free outdoor events around town Saturday and Sunday.
The retailer is sponsoring a “Free Play Day Weekend” to give visitors and locals an opportunity to enjoy events around town, according to a release from the city’s department of transportation. The event includes free use of Bike Chattanooga’s bike share system, free entry and crash pad rentals at Stone Fort bouldering area, 1-hour free paddleboard rentals at L2, yoga at Wildflower Tea Shop and a music and beer festival at Crabtree Farms.
“We’re thrilled to partner with local nonprofits and businesses to offer outdoor experiences for all skill levels to the community throughout Free Play Day Weekend,” according to REI market coordinator Haley Swank.
The retailer is holding the grand opening for its first Chattanooga location May 16-18 and will hold outdoor school classes in June for camping, cycling, climbing, navigation, paddling and more.
The weekend festivities will be REI’s first public events in the city. Bike share users will receive complimentary access passes for trips 60 minutes or less Saturday and Sunday.
“It’s something we love to see,” Chattanooga Director of Transportation Operations Ben Taylor said. “A lot of people walk by the stations and don’t pay attention. This will give a lot of people their first ride.”
Entrance to bouldering at Stone Fort and Mowbray Mountain, also known as Little Rock City, is covered by REI both Saturday and Sunday. Parking and registration are located at Montlake Golf Club clubhouse. Complimentary stand-up paddleboard rentals will be available from 10 a.m.4 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday at L2 near Coolidge Park. A yoga session will be held at Wildflower Teashop on Market Street on Sunday from 10-11:30 a.m.
A free, family-friendly social event will be held at Crabtree Farms Saturday from 5-10 p.m. There will be light food, locally brewed beer, music, crafts and more. The weekend concludes with a 21-and-older event Sunday evening from 6:30-10:30 p.m. at Hunter Museum of American Art.