Area Paddlers Buy Launch

Morgantown Dominion Post
2 May 2016
By Ann Kennell

The Morgantown Area Paddlers (MAP) has raised $38,500 for a new kayak and canoe launch.

MAP has been raising money for over a year to reach the needed amount for the launch at the new Van Voorhis Trailhead, where Van Voorhis Road meets the Monongalia River Rail Trail.

“Many groups, businesses and individuals donated to the launch,” Mary Wimmer, a MAP member, said. “We will also be putting a sign at the launch site to recognize the funders.”

The launch was ordered last week, but will take several weeks to arrive. Wimmer said that when the launch does arrive, they plan on having a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Besides raising almost $40,000, MAP kept busy during the winter months with the help of two WVU students.

“We worked with two students in Dr. Eve Faulke’s design class at WVU to develop a logo for the Morgantown Area Paddlers,” Wimmer said.

Angelo Ilagan is the student who designed the logo that MAP went with.

There was also a survey to find out what the 158 members like and don’t like.

“The survey was to find out when, how long and where they want to paddle, if they are interested in volunteer work on the launch sites, etc,” Wimmer said, “It was very informative.”

For those interested in MAP, email Mary Wimmer, at mwimmer@hsc.wvu.edu, or check out facebook.com/Morgantown-Area-Paddlers-755677667911876/?fref=ts.