Park-to-Park Paddle

The 8th Annual Park-to-Park Paddle was Saturday, July 25th, 2009!

(The 9th Annual Park-to-Park Paddle is scheduled for Saturday, September 4, 2010 and is part of the Fox River Heritage Paddle series. Check HERE for more information!)

Click above image for YouTube video clip of 2007 Park-to-Park Paddle!

Click the image above for 2009 event phootos and below for a larger copy of the 2009 route map.

Sponsors and Contributors Many people and organizations have come together over the past eight years to help make the Park to Park Paddle a great event for everyone. Please be sure to thank... City of Appleton | City of Neenah | City of Menasha | Outagamie County Sheriff Department | Fox River Navigational System Authority | US Coast Guard Auxiliary-Menasha | Appleton Fire Department | SEH | Appleton Post-Crescent | Appleton Yacht Club | Town of Menasha | Future Neenah | River Heath | 4imprint | Outdoor Outlet | Precision Sports | ZellerSki & Sport | Superior Kayak Hosts North East Wisconsin Paddlers Friends of the Fox Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

For the record, participation was an all time record with 234 boats of various sorts and sizes counted through the lock in two passes. 162 boats in the first lockage was seven short of the 169 boat single lockage record set in 2008. 347 people completed registration forms for the event, with an average age of 44.3 years and at least two octogenerians in the group! As in past years, there were only slightly more men then women in the group, 57% to 43%. 

The event was hosted by the Northeast Wisconsin Paddlers/ ACA, Friends of the Fox, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance and supported by several organizations with sponsorships or help at the event. As in past years, the paddle began at Shattuck Park in Neenah,with a group launch from the river wall and docks. Assistance entering canoes and kayaks was offered from paddlers already in the water and helpers on the docks to prevent accidental swimming experiences.

The group massed up before the Neenah bridge and started paddling as the last boat left the dock area. A Voyager canoe with 13 passengers moved with great speed and precision as the group left the Fox River in Neenah, paddling up the Lake Winnebago shoreline to re-enter the Fox River into Menasha. Some paddlers were able to take advantage of a channel shortcut through part of Doty Island, passing through quiet neighborhood homes and catching up with the group of paddlers. As the group collected itself in the Menasha Lock turning basin, the City of Menasha dedicated a new sculpture mounted near the lock. 

As noted above, the first lockage held 162 boats - the rest of the group, 72 more boats, passed through the lock into Little Lake Buttes des Mots in a second operation. Soon after entering Little Lake Butte des Morts, most paddlers enjoyed a bumpy ride with stiff winds from the northwest building some challenging waves nearly all the way to Appleton! Many paddlers took advantage of offers for towing and a lot of calories were burned along the way!

The total paddle distance was nearly 8.5 miles, but felt longer due to the windy conditions along the way. Thanks to many people who helped make this another safe trip, and especially to the US Coast Guard Auxiliary (Menasha), Outagamie County Sheriff's Department, Town of Menasha Water Patrol and the City of Appleton Fire Department.  And a special tip of the paddle to the members of the North East Wisconsin Paddlers Club for their patient help on the water!

Click here for photos provided by participants - 

Comments? - Please email jmmazanec@gmail.com -