Launchapalooza creates splash of excitement
Chances for canoe enthusiasts, kayak aficionados and the aqua curious to hit the water in Butler County have multiplied.
“It's really nice knowing there might be families whose kids would otherwise be sitting on their phones and playing video games, enjoying nature and getting outside,” said Mike Handley, Allegheny Aquatic Alliance president. “I think having access is giving the ability to do so.”
The 2019 Launchapalooza features two separate paddling events hosted by the alliance, a local nonprofit organization devoted to water protection, and will celebrate the grand opening of new public canoe launches along Connoquenessing Creek.
The first float at noon Saturday starts at 90 Halstead Blvd. in Zelienople and goes to the new launch at 164 Hartzell School Road in Fombell for a 6.5-mile stretch. A 10 a.m. meetup is scheduled.
In September, the second float follows, starting at the new launch at 117 McKim Way in Ellwood City to 601 Wampum Road in Ellwood City for an 8-mile stretch.
The float series is designed to inform the community about the new boat launches and encourage conservation efforts and recreational use of the often overlooked waterway.
The Launchapalooza floats are free and open to all ages. Life jackets, canoes and kayaks are available.
A celebration will follow the floats and include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, food and drink, music, door prizes and other activities.
Other new or renovated launch sites on the creek include; Renfrew Canoe Launch, 101 West Main St., Renfrew; Eckstein Canoe Launch, 111 Eckstein Road, Renfrew; Major Washington Canoe Launch, 252 Ash Stop Road, Evans City; Wild Waterways Canoe Launch, 198 Porters Cove, Harmony; Christian's Canoe Launch, 164 Hartzell School Road, Fombell; and Allegheny Aquatic Alliance Canoe Launch, 117 McKim Way, Ellwood City.
Altogether, launches will be located on the creek every four miles for people to get in and out without a long trip, he said.
By the end of the year, Handley said he plans to create a detailed map of each launches' exact location and the distance in mileage between each launch.
All are funded through a Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Grant Program. The accesses include parking, picnic table, bench and community board.
The launches are designed for people to walk in and out of the creek with their boats. There are also garbage and recycling bins and bat houses for mosquito control.
Sandstone steps, about 4-by-5 feet, will lead into the bank, Handley said.
Picnic tables are made of sandstone, he said. The Zelienople and Renfrew launch have pavilions.
The sites will continuously be updated, he said.
Although weather has complicated the time line, the group plans to have the launches completed on schedule.
Also on Saturday, the Connie Classic II will challenge the fastest paddlers to join the alliance's canoe and kayak 7½-mile race on the creek. The race will start in Harmony at Wild Waterways Canoe Launch and finish in Fombell at Christian's Canoe Launch.
People from across the state and out-of-state visitors travel to the creek for its activities, Handley said, which brings money into the community.
The number of paddlers and kayakers has quadrupled over the five years the launch sites have been added and renovated, he said.
In 2000, the creek was the second-worst polluted waterway. Now, wildlife is returning to the area, he said.
People who have never experienced the creek should attend the event, he said. People who are not experienced paddlers can coast downstream and leisurely float.
“Come out and take advantage of it,” Handley said.
WHAT: 2019 Launchapalooza SeriesWHEN: Noon Saturday; noon Sept. 2WHERE: Float 1 — 90 Halstead Blvd., Zelienople to 164 Hartzell School Road, Fombell; Float 2 — 117 McKim Way, Ellwood City, to 601 Wampum Road, Ellwood CityCOST: Free; $15 kayak rental fee; $20 canoe rental feeWHO: Open to the public; suitable for all ages and skill levels.FOR MORE INFORMATION: Email alleghenyaquaticalliance@hotmail.com or call 724-371-0416 to reserve a spot
