New outdoor program begins with sunset paddling on Lake Fayetteville

Courtesy photo

A new outdoor recreation training and education program begins this month in Fayetteville.

Outdoor Fayetteville is a project of the city’s parks and recreation department, and will feature lessons for adults and youth on a variety of outdoor recreation skills like paddling, biking, hiking, backpacking and camping. Skills clinics are also planned for instruction on bike maintenance, back-country cooking and wilderness travel.

Participants will learn the importance of planning as well as safety procedures through lessons in things like wilderness medicine or swift-water rescue.

The programs are designed to allow for social distancing and small groups. Covid-19 safety protocols and directives from the Arkansas Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control will be implemented to ensure user and staff safety, according to a news release.

The program will launch with sunset paddling on Lake Fayetteville from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 14 and 21.

The cost is $5 per person and includes kayaks or canoes, paddles, personal floatation devices and instruction.

To register or for more information, visit www.fayetteville-ar.gov/recreation, call the Parks and Recreation office at 479-444-3471, or email [email protected].

More fall programs will be announced soon.