Paddle Port Purchase, 5.3,Mar. 2025 Item 5.3
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TO: Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM: Nick Jacobs, Parks and Recreation Director
DATE: March 11, 2025
RE: Paddle Port Purchase Recommendation
Background Information
2025 Capital Improvement Plan – Paddle Port Project
The 2025 Capital Improvement Plan allocates $80,000 for the purchase of two Paddle
Port stations and a transport trailer. Once completed, this project will provide an
affordable kayak rental option, allowing participants to traverse eight miles of the
Mississippi Water Trail.
The primary Paddle Port station will be located at Norin Landing Park and will feature
six single kayaks and two tandem kayaks available for rental. Each rental will include
paddles and life jackets. Participants will reserve and pay for their rentals through the
Paddle Port manufacturer's website. To complete a reservation, participants must
submit payment and sign a waiver. Upon completion, they will receive a one-time code
to unlock their assigned locker, which corresponds to their rental.
Kayakers will then paddle nearly eight miles along the Mississippi Water Trail before
returning their kayaks at Carrick’s Landing. A return trailer will be stationed onshore to
securely house the kayaks. Staff will transport the kayaks back to the main Paddle Port
station at Norin Landing once per day.
Operational Plan
Item 5.3
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Parks staff will require a transport trailer to move kayaks from Carrick’s Landing back to
Norin Landing each morning. Staff will review the previous day’s rentals online before
transporting the kayaks back to the main station. During this process, they will inspect
each kayak to ensure it is in good condition and verify that paddles and life jackets have
been returned. The waiver agreement clearly states that any damaged or lost equipment
will be charged to the renter. Once all kayaks are returned and accounted for, rentals
can begin for the new day.
Staff propose a rental fee of $30 per day (9:00 AM–4:00 PM), based on feedback from
the Parks and Recreation Commission. With the rental fees set at this rate, the City
would net nearly $20 dollars, which would equate to roughly an 8 year payback timeline.
Renters must be onsite before 9:00 AM to participate, as rentals will not be permitted
after this time. This ensures a single, consistent rental period each day.
Project Costs & Budget
A quote from System Services LLC estimates the cost of the Paddle Port station and a
lifetime agreement for software, support, and payment management at $65,523.90.
Additionally, staff received a quote from Remackel Trailers for the transport trailer at
$4,795. The total cost for the Paddle Ports and transport trailer is $70,318.90, which
falls within the allocated $80,000 budget.
Funding & Community Support
The Friends of the Mississippi River, a key partner, expressed strong support for the
program’s potential to increase public engagement with the river. In response, they
generously pledged an $8,000 donation to help offset the cost of the Paddle Port
system. With this contribution, the final cost of procuring the Paddle Port system and
transport trailer is reduced to $62,318.90.
Peer Recommendations
To gain insight into the Paddle Port system’s effectiveness, staff reached out to the City
of Cottage Grove. They provided positive feedback based on their experiences and
strongly recommended the system.
Requested Commission Action
Staff requests the Parks and Recreation Commission review the Paddle Port System
and provide feedback for staff.
Item 5.3
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Possible recommendation:
• To recommend the City Council approve the purchase of the Paddle Port system
and transport trailer in the amount of $62,318.90.
Attachments:
• Quote from System Servies for the Paddle Port purchase
• Quote from Remackel Trailers (transport trailer)