Sponsor: Parks & Recreation
Title
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Project Account for Paddle Share Program
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Recommendation
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Authorize the County Manager to establish a project budget for the Paddle Share Program in the Parks and Recreation Department.
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Background and Rationale
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Kayaking allows residents the opportunity to immerse in the natural world, observe wildlife, and recreate, receiving the physical and mental wellness benefits that the activity offers. In 2024, the county contracted with a company, Rent Fun LLC., to offer self-service kayak stations at five locations throughout the regional park system: Vadnais-Snail Regional Park, Long Lake Regional Park, Tony Schmidt Regional Park (Lake Johanna), Keller Regional Park - Spoon Lake, and Bald Eagle-Otter Lakes Regional Park. Parks Legacy funds were used to install six stations at a cost of $15,000 each. The revenue from these stations is expected to be $5,000-$7,000 per year. The revenue will be used to expand kayak offerings to more park locations which will increase the ability for all residents to enjoy this healthy activity. Through collaboration with Finance, it was determined that establishing a project budget is the best way to collect the revenue from multiple years to install new stations and maintain this new Ramsey County Park amenity.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
Many factors can limit residents access to lakes and lake-related resources. Cultural factors influence the ways in which people of differing racial identities navigate and participate in outdoor recreation. Kayaks provide introductory paddling experiences to residents at a reasonable cost, allowing access to a previously inaccessible amenity. Parks offers discounted kayak rentals to groups that serve residents of racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds. Learning paddling techniques and navigating on the water can be a rewarding challenge that builds confidence and resilience.
Community Participation Level and Impact
The Ramsey County Parks Commission was presented the Paddle Share Program on May 8, 2024 with positive feedback.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Revenue from this self-service rental station program was not included in the operating budget. Establishing a project budget will allow Parks to use collected revenue to grow and maintain the program sustainably.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
1. Revenue Contract