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 Doan Brook and its 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 the Doan Brook’s waters.

EVENT DETAILS:

This year, Take to the Lake will be at Lower Shaker Lake on Saturday, August 22nd at 10am-4pm. The event will feature canoe and kayak lessons from Cleveland Metroparks, yoga, a hike guided by DBWP staff, and exhibits from various partners.

Where: Lower Shaker Lake, 1 Brook Rd. Shaker Heights, OH

When: Saturday, August 22nd, 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.

REGISTER HERE

Cleveland Metroparks Waiver

All guests will be required to sign a waiver before paddling: kayaking and canoeing. Waivers will be available onsite. A parent/legal guardian MUST sign for all minors. In the event another adult is accompanying the minor at the event, the minor’s parent/legal guardian can complete and have the minor bring this waiver to the program.

Here is the link to download the aforementioned waiver: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UWRvpsomUwNGsH9YqL8b8b-r8JQ52aGK/view?usp=sharing

About the Lessons

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.

Registration is open now!

KAYAK RENTALS

Already an experienced paddler looking to explore for an hour while completing our on the water scavenger hunt? We have limited rental kayaks available (provided by Burning River Adventures) on a first come first serve basis. Thanks to grant funding from ODNR’s Division of Wildlife, we are excited to cover costs for paddling rentals.

Tandems (2 available)

• Children ages 3 or older are able to go out in a tandem with a responsible adult. 

Singles (8 available)

• Children must be 8 or older with an adult on the water to operate their own single kayak. 

General Information

1. All participants must be prepared to sign an additional waiver before launch. Rentals are first come first serve; you may be asked to come back at a later time if requested boats are unavailable. 
2. Individuals should plan to get wet. Footwear that secures to the foot such as a tennis shoe or a water shoe is suggested and footwear is not provided.
3. You will be required to return by a designated time. 
4. We reserve the right to cancel paddling and halt all rentals at any time due to weather or safety concerns. Boaters will be required to return to shore in the event of thunder and/or lightning.

In addition to boating, the event will include some fun onshore activities

More details to come!

Disclaimer: This event is subject to change and final decisions regarding safety on the water including but not limited to water quality and level will be made by August 12th. Should a visible algal bloom appear after August 12th, we may have to cancel the event. Any adjustments will be communicated with registered participants and shared on our social media.

Take to the Lake is sponsored by the Doan Brook Watershed Partnership, with support from the Cities of Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights, and Cleveland, the Cleveland Metroparks, Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, and DBWP volunteers.