Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Pedal and paddle programs for Father’s Day
Celebrate Dad with pedal and paddle activities on the Schuylkill River and Schuylkill River Trail
Cyclists, paddlers and beginners will be able to get outdoors this Father’s Day weekend for the soft opening of a regional recreation company.
Take It Outdoors Adventures provides outdoor recreation services such as boat rentals, a free bike share, shuttle services and educational programming. The company also offers weekly programs such as Wednesday Night Paddles and Friday Night Rides. The group excursions are open to the public and change location every week.
Take It Outdoors is based in Pottstown along the banks of the Schuylkill River and will be open for business beginning this weekend. Guides will show participants where and how to access the Schuylkill River and Schuylkill River Trail.
Both outdoor resources have seen an increase in usage from last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some sections of the trail are experiencing a 250 to 300 percent increase in users. The Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area, a nonprofit organization with a mission of connecting people to the trail and river, has also experienced an increase in the sale of their paddler’s guide to the river.
Schuylkill River Greenways recently announced a strategic partnership with Take It Outdoors. Take It Outdoors Adventures is registered as TIO LLC and is an independent Pennsylvania corporation with Schuylkill River Greenways as its sole member. Schuylkill River Greenways established the new partnership as a continuation of a long-standing relationship with the recreational organization.
Through Take It Outdoors; individuals, families and small groups will have the opportunity to enjoy self-guided or assisted fulland-half-day outings, group excursions, and do-it-yourself pedal and paddle adventures combining kayaking and bicycling.
“The mutually beneficial partnership between Schuylkill River Greenways and Take It Outdoors will help people appreciate the Schuylkill River and Schuylkill River Trail through fun, meaningful and educational experiences,” said Schuylkill River Greenways Executive Director Elaine Paul Schaefer.
The company will have a soft opening beginning this Saturday, June 20. The address is 57 E. Schuylkill Avenue in Pottstown. Reservations are preferred and can be made beginning this Friday by calling 610-656-3963. Walk-ups are welcome but will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. After the soft opening, the company will be open on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday to Sunday.
All guides are certified through the American Canoe Association for water rescue and safety training. All customers will receive a safety briefing and beginners will have the benefit of a full introduction.
“We understand novice cyclists and paddlers can find it intimidating to experience the trail and river on their own, which is why we’re excited this partnership will provide assistance to those individuals. Recreational guides will help beginners experience the beautiful river from within a boat and the regional trail on wheels,” Schaefer said.
Take It Outdoors will be instituting COVID-19 safety protocols consistent with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania guidelines, Montgomery County Health Department guidelines, and CDC guidelines. Programming will be focused on individual, family and small group trips. Corporate outings and team-building trips are also a new feature. For more information, visit the website at takeitoutdoorsadventures.com.