From kayak rentals under the bridge to a floating Community Hub!

It has been a busy summer for Kayak Pittsburgh, and not just on the water! We have been working behind-the-scenes to bring you a NEW opportunity to access the three rivers, coming 2024.

Since 2001 we provided kayak rentals to the downtown area from our home under the 6th St Bridge. However, due to construction on the sister bridges in 2022 we had to pause operations and permanently relocate. This gave us the opportunity to reassess this city amenity and make it something bigger and better for our community. While we worked on that, we brought yinz the Kayak Pittsburgh Downtown Pop-Up for the 2023 kayak season.

After an RFP process, input from many incredible partners, and funding from generous supporters, we’ve started the process to build a NEW Kayak Pittsburgh Downtown Community Hub.

Kayak Pittsburgh Downtown Community Hub Coming 2024

The Kayak Pittsburgh – Downtown Community Hub, will float on a repurposed barge along the Allegheny River just outside the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. It will not only provide a permanent home for our downtown kayak concession but also be the base of operations for our new ACA Pro Paddle school. The Hub will provide opportunities for tourists, residents, students, and the downtown workforce to get outdoors, see our beautiful city from a different perspective, connect with nature, and enjoy our rivers!

This structure also gives us the ability to install a state-of-the-art paddlesport launch to complement our universal kayaking equipment.  The availability of handicap parking at the Convention Center coupled with ADA compliant access to the riverfront will be a game changer.

We are excited to partner with RYCON Construction and expect the design phase for the project to be completed by the end of the year. Permits have been received from the PA Department of Environmental Protection and the Army Corps of Engineers. Fundraising efforts for the project are also in full swing. Great opportunities are available for corporate partnerships at the new location and keep an eye out for your chance to Adopt-A-Kayak for the new hub!

Images are DRAFTS ONLY – Not for Media Release. For media inquiries contact our Marketing Manager: samone@ventureoutdoors.org

Thanks for the support from Local Legislators

A special thank you to the state & local legislators and staff, including Representatives Steele & Venkat, that joined us at our North Park and future Downtown Kayak Pittsburgh locations last week to learn about our mission, impact, and future plans to remove barriers and create opportunities for everyone to experience the benefits of the outdoors!

Thanks to Freedom Boat Club, as well for providing attendees the opportunity to see the new location from the water!