The National Park Service is bringing the sharing economy to the Mississippi River in Minnesota this month with a first of its kind kayak sharing service.
Residents and visitors in Minneapolis will soon have access to 32 kayaks available for rent at two stations in and around the city if the city's Parks Board gives its approval. The so-called "paddle share" will allow users to travel up to 4 miles along the 72-mile Mississippi National River and Recreation area, reports Shannon Prather in the Star-Tribune. Users can pick up a kayak, paddles and personal flotation device at one of the paddle share stations. Funding for the program comes from a federal grant and a donation from retailer REI.
"It's a first in the National Park Service," said Susan Overson, landscape architect and park planner with the Mississippi park. "I am really proud of the National Park Service for approving something so innovative and approving the funding for it. I am over-the-top excited to be able to offer a paddle share. … It's for people who don't own their own equipment. It's meant to be easy and affordable."
Prather reports that the kayak share stations will also be located within proximity of the city's bike share program allowing paddlers to end the trip at one station and cycle back to their start point.
FULL STORY: Kayak sharing along Mississippi in the works
Big Idea: A National Park in Downtown Minneapolis
Details of a proposal to create a national park at one of the Twin Cities' region most popular destinations: the lock and dam at the Upper St. Anthony Falls, on the Mississippi River where it flows through Minneapolis.
Park Project to Continue Minneapolis' Riverfront Transformation
On a site overlooking the Mississippi River's St. Anthony Falls, where Minneapolis' first sushi bar stands, officials are planning the newest addition to the city's Central Riverfront system of parks.
Minneapolis Softens its Approach to the Mighty Mississippi
Chris Bentley describes the first piece of an ambitious plan to return portions of Minneapolis' Mississippi River coastline to a more natural state, and encourage public access and redevelopment in the process.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service