Central Falls launches new free Blackstone River kayak program for city’s kids
CENTRAL FALLS, RI (June 25, 2021) – Today, the City of Central Falls, in partnership with the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, launched a new Blackstone River kayaking program giving hundreds of Central Falls youth free kayaking lessons and a fun, unique summer activity. The launch was celebrated by state and city officials, including Governor Dan McKee, Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, Treasurer Seth Magaziner, Mayor Maria Rivera, Former Mayor James Diossa, among other community leaders and members.
“This is an outstanding new program that will give our inner-city kids a free engaging opportunity that many of them may otherwise never experience,” said Central Falls Mayor Maria Rivera. “We want to do all we can to ensure our kids of all ages have a safe summer, and that means new, creative programs to keep them engaged like this one.”
The kayaking program, running through the summer, aims to introduce the water sport to youth, while helping them become more familiar with and educated about the Blackstone River right in their backyard – often only seen from a bridge.
"To have the ability to get young kids onto the Blackstone River, especially kids from the city of Central Falls, will definitely be an incredible eye-opening experience and will convince them that the Blackstone River is worth saving, because they are the ones who will have to save it,” said Robert D. Billington, president and chief executive officer of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council.
The program is run by the City of Central Falls Parks and Recreation Department and Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, with funding support by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island. Initial funding for the purchase of the kayaks was through a Community Development Block Grant by the RI Office of Housing and Community Development.
"We are proud to sponsor the new Central Falls Youth Kayaking program, giving city youth a free, fun, physical activity right in their own backyard this summer," said Carolyn Belisle, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility & Community Relations, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island. "Youth will learn about the environment around the Blackstone River and the importance of keeping it clean and healthy, while improving their own health, too."
Kayaking lessons are led by trained local instructors, running Monday through Saturday, starting from the Central Falls Landing entrance of the Blackstone River (45 Madeira Avenue). Kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are provided to each participant. Upon completion of the kayak instruction experience, youth will have acquired basic paddling skills and encouraged to return for another experience free of charge.
For youth who wish to participate, they must pre-register and an instructor will call to confirm their kayaking session. Youth ages 13-18 must bring a signed consent waiver from a parent or guardian, and youth ages 12 and younger must have a parent or guardian present for the kayaking appointment time along with a waiver.
