Paddle to Work Day, June 16, 2011

On Thursday, June 16, Dane County residents will trade rush hour traffic and road construction for paddles and fresh air during the 13th annual Paddle to Work Day. As a part of the Dane County Lakes and Watershed Commission’s 17th annual Take a Stake in the Lakes Days, Paddle to Work Day provides the community with a fun alternative to the morning commute; and a great opportunity to help raise awareness of the importance of preserving our waters.

Those who are unable to participate on June 16th should paddle to work any day between June 13 and 17. Paddlers should use their own good judgment regarding the weather, and should avoid paddling in high winds or lightning.

Boat Storage While You Work – Special Permission Only for Paddle to Work Day

• UW Campus – Lake Mendota
  • UW’s Porter Boathouse. You may tie your boats to the western-most wooden dock (on the right as you approach the Boathouse). You may also leave boats on land, off to the side of the Boathouse. Paddlers must avoid the other Crew Team dock and the concrete apron leading down to the water from the boathouse bay doors.
  • Willow Beach. Paddlers may also lock their boats to open spaces on the tethering cable on Willow Beach in the Lakeshore Nature Preserve on campus, near Goodnight Hall. To locate Willow Beach, explore the Preserve’s online interactive map at lakeshorepreserve.wisc.edu or check www.map.wisc.edu.
  • Please note: Paddlers should bring a cable and lock to secure their boats, and should not put their boats on the racks at the boat launch in University Bay or at Willows Beach, as all spaces have been rented. For free access to the tether cable, only available for Paddle to Work Day, or for seasonal boat storage information, contact Bob Wright at 263-5181.
• City of Madison Parks – Lakes Mendota and Monona
  Boats may be left at Law Park, James Madison Park, or any other City of Madison waterfront park all day during the week of June 13 - 17 to accommodate paddlers wanting to paddle back home after work.

Share Your Experiences!

Afterwards, share your paddle commute story by sending an email with any photos and a short description of your experiences. Contact us at lakes@countyofdane.com.