Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
The following press release was issued by Portage Paddle Sports:
After two successful seasons, Portage Paddle Sports will be expanding for the 2019 summer season. Portage Paddle Sports will continue to operate at Hancock Beach in Hancock, Michigan and will now open a second location at Ray Kestner Waterfront Park (Chutes & Ladders) in Houghton, just a few paddles from the Portage Lake Lift Bridge.
Portage Paddle Sports’ locations are summer destination spots for the community and tourists, offering summer fun for all ages on the Portage Canal. Both locations are home to a swimming beach, playground, beach volleyball court, campground, pavilion, picnic tables and grills.
Portage Paddle Sports is operated by recent Northern Michigan University graduate Brendan Jacques of Hancock. “We are super excited about the new location because it will connect us to miles of bike path right along the canal. Adding bike rentals has been a goal of ours. The City of Hancock and the City of Houghton have been very supportive. Both have awesome plans to improve the waterfront, and we are thrilled to be a part of that,” said Jacques.
Portage Paddle Sports’ rental offerings include single, tandem, and family kayaks, single and group stand-up paddle boards and connectable float tubes. The new Houghton location will also rent cruiser bikes. Both locations serve 16+ flavors of Jilberts hand scooped ice cream and concessions.
Houghton City Manager, Eric Waara added, “The City of Houghton is excited with the news that Portage Paddle Sports will be locating in Kestner Park. The services and recreational opportunities they will bring to the park and our waterfront have been requested for some time. Bring on summer!”
Although dates have not yet been set, Portage Paddle Sports plans to open both locations in late May 2019.
