Thursday, December 14, 2006
Special to suffredin.org

Event Contact: Bill Koenig, FPDCC         773.631.1790

 Cook County Forest Preserve District Board President Todd Stroger and Commissioner Larry Suffredin (D-13) invite Chicago River paddling enthusiasts to join the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and launch their canoes and kayaks in celebration of the New Year and the natural beauty of the river and forest preserves.  The event will be held on January 1, 2007 at 9 a.m. and starts below the Skokie Lagoons where canoes and kayaks begin their trip, traveling through Cook County’s forest preserves to Linne Woods. 

 “This is a wonderful event for Cook County’s canoeing and kayaking communities and I encourage enthusiasts of all ages to come out and join the District for a wonderful day of paddling,” said President Stroger.

 “This is an important opportunity for the Forest Preserve District and those who enjoy canoeing and kayaking to promote the recreational potential of the Skokie Lagoons and the Chicago River and to highlight the need for regular maintenance and care of the Lagoons and River,” commented Commissioner Suffredin.

 All canoes will launch at Forestway Drive just north of Willow Road.  Put-in is just below the Willow Road Dam.  The end point for the trip is at the horse bridge in Linne Woods south of Beckwith Road.  Please note that launch times are staggered, with some participants arriving as early as 7:00 a.m. The last launch is at Noon. 

 To get to the Paddle, travel north on the Edens Expressway and exit at Willow Road. Turn right (east) onto Willow Road.  Travel approximately ½ mile and cross over the bridge. After crossing bridge, immediately turn left onto Forestway Drive. 

 Participants must provide their own canoes or kayaks and it is recommended that they have some prior experience.