Take to the Lake
Doan Brook Watershed Partnership has been hosting our annual event Take to the Lake which was started in 2013 as a memorial to Lester Stumpe, an avid paddler and early DBWP board member. We typically host the event on the last Saturday in August and this years event details can be found below. Canoeing on the Shaker Lakes was a popular pastime in the first half of the 20th century, but public boating on the lakes is now less common. Take to the Lake gives participants a chance to resurrect this recreational opportunity for a day, and gain a new perspective on the lakes and their place in our watershed community. We hope you will join us for an afternoon of paddling, guided hikes, yoga, and music along the banks of historic Lower Shaker Lake.
EVENT DETAILS:
Where: Lower Shaker Lake, 1 Brook Rd. Shaker Heights, OH
When: Saturday, August 24th, 10am-4pm
Parking: If you choose to drive, please park on the south side of South Park Boulevard. Parking is somewhat limited, so please consider carpooling, walking, biking or taking public transportation if you can.
ABOUT THE EVENT:
For experienced paddlers, we will offer Breakaway Excursions kayak and lifejacket/PFD rentals on the lake. This is a great option for experienced paddlers or anyone who wants to spend some uninterrupted quality time on the lake. Small children who are not paddling may be able to ride with a parent–this will be determined by Breakaway Excursions on site on a case by case basis.
For first-time paddlers, Cleveland Metroparks Outdoor Recreation will offer kayak/canoe lessons with lifejacket/PFD that are open to all (at least age 8 and weigh between 50 -275 lbs.). This is a good opportunity to learn the basics of paddling while enjoying some quality time on the lake.
For canoe, kayak and paddle board owners, non-motorized watercraft is encouraged to bring them to the event and launch from the shore at no cost. Those bringing their own watercraft must ensure that all members of their party have life jackets and that all children have adult supervision on the lake. Public boat launch is located at the woodchip pile (see map).
In addition to boating, the event will include some fun onshore activities:
EVENT LOGISTICS:
- Lower Shaker Lake is located between North Park and South Park boulevards, just east of Coventry Road in Shaker Heights. Street parking is available along South Park Blvd and adjacent streets.
- We need volunteers to make this event successful. Volunteers will be given an event t-shirt. This annual t-shirts will be made available for purchase in July.
Take to the Lake is sponsored by the Doan Brook Watershed Partnership, with support from the City of Shaker Heights, Cleveland Metroparks, Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Yoga Roots, Breakaway Excursions and DBWP volunteers.