The Illinois River has 12 new resting stations for kayaks and canoes throughout the region. The project was funded by a grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation. The Union Sportman’s Alliance and the West Central Building and Construction Trades Council provided free labor by installing benches and signage. Alliance Executive Director Fred Myers says the stations are vital to boosting interest and tourism in the region:
“Without these rest stations, really it limits access to the river because some people just aren’t strong enough to come out and paddle for that long without being able to pull up, and tether and rest.”
Illinois American Water, the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance, and the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the project Thursday. Area storyteller and author Brian “Fox” Ellis helped push to secure the funding for the kayak station project. He says the idea is to raise awareness about the rich wildlife along the river.