The City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Department will launch its new canoe program on Saturday, July 5, 2008 at 8 a.m.

Paddlers will tour the Holston and Tennessee Rivers, beginning in Holston River Park and traveling to downtown Knoxville.

Joe Walsh, Director of Knoxville Parks and Recreation, said this program is a great chance for families, couples, and adventure enthusiasts to see Knoxville at its best. 
 
"We are fortunate to have such an extraordinary escape to nature that runs through our downtown," said Walsh. "Now that we have the means to provide canoe tours to the general public, we want to give Knoxvillians an experience they will never forget." 
 
The Parks and Recreation Aquatics staff will be on each tour to help out with canoeing techniques and Ijams Nature Center is providing a nature guide for the program. 
 
"Ijams Nature Center is proud to continue its longstanding partnership with the City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation," said Paul James, Director of Ijams Nature Center.

James said Ijam's Nature Center is partnering with the City for this program "to better serve area youth and provide new opportunities to experience Knoxville's greatest of natural resources - the Tennessee River and other local waterways." 
 
All ages and skill levels are welcome to canoe, although participants must be able to swim. Paddlers are encouraged to bring lunch in a waterproof container for the canoe tour's lunch break.

The tour includes life vests, paddles, transportation to the canoe put-in location, and a pre-trip safety demonstration. The City has 16 two-seater canoes available for reservation.

Tours will be held at 8 a.m. on Saturdays during the month of July. Reservations must be made by the Wednesday before the desired canoe date. Cost per person is $20. Group rates are available.

To make reservations, please call 311. Please visit www.cityofknoxville.org/recreation for more information.