WESTFIELD – On Saturday, June 20, the Westfield River Watershed Association will sponsor a scenic, mostly flat-water, six-mile paddle from the new Great River Bridge in Westfield to Robinson State Park in Agawam. Participants should bring their own canoe or kayak, paddles and personal safety devices, as well as sunscreen and drinking water.
For those used to seeing the river only in glimpses from the road, the canoe cruise offers a new, close-up view of the waterway. Organizers recommend that participants be experienced paddlers, given that river conditions may be unpredictable. Children under 18 must be supervised by a parent or guardian. Children under 14 must paddle in the same boat as an adult.
An admission fee of $10 per person and $25 per family will help cover shuttle service, insurance and light refreshments. Registration is from 10-11 a.m. in the municipal parking lot off Meadow Street near the Great River Bridge in Westfield. Participants will register, unload boats and gear, drive their vehicles to Robinson State Park and return by shuttle to the launch area. Staggered departures will begin at 11:00 a.m.
Low or high water conditions or really bad weather may cause a cancellation of the event. If you plan to participate and would like to receive a cancellation notice by email the evening before the event, email [email protected] and put the word “Notify” in the Subject line. WRWA will also post the cancellation on its website, www.westfieldriver.org the evening before. For more information about the Canoe and Kayak Cruise, visit www.westfieldriver.org or call Fran S. at 413-562-4998.
