The 1st Annual Moorestown Paddleboard/Kayak Race will take place on Saturday, May 19.
George Gravenstine, officer of the Strawbridge Lake Beautification Committee, Inc., said, to a certain extent, Strawbridge Lake has been forgotten in Moorestown.
“I think people need to just remember that it is there and needs some care,” Gravenstine said.
With an influx of invasive species leaving the lake largely overgrown, Gravenstine, his wife Amy and his committee, now a nonprofit, have organized a series of cleanup days to restore the lake to its former glory. On Saturday, May 19, the committee will host the 1st Annual Moorestown Paddleboard/Kayak Race with all proceeds from the event going toward landscaping maintenance and to fund the creation of a fishing dock.
The event will feature two races. For those seeking a more competitive atmosphere, a four-mile race will kick off at 9:15 a.m. that day with the fastest rowers receiving cash prizes. At 10:30 a.m., there will be a one-mile fun race for those seeking a less competitive race, which will result in prizes from REI and other local retailers.
For those not interested in racing, kayak and canoe rentals will be available throughout the day, and vendor booths, music, face painting and other festivities will take place lakeside. There is no age limit to participate in the day’s activities; the committee just asks that everyone wears a lifejacket while in their vessels.
Gravenstine said he drew inspiration from a kayak race held in Medford Lakes each year raising funds for the local school district. He said nearly a year ago, he went to Moorestown township officials and asked if he could do something similar at Strawbridge Lake.
Township Manager Thomas Merchel said when Gravenstine contacted him, the township was eager to support the event. He advised the committee they’d be better off forming their own nonprofit so the township would not be responsible for collecting the funds and the money could go solely toward helping the lake.
Since the eight-member committee started planning last September, the event has taken off, Gravenstine said. He said they’ve garnered 13 sponsors, eight vendors, two bands and a food truck to enhance the day’s festivities.
“We come up with ideas every day; we’re thrilled with how far it’s come,” Gravenstine said. “It’s getting traction. People are asking me about it.”
Thus far, the committee has raised $8,000 and is rapidly approaching its $12,000 goal. The funds will generally go toward lake maintenance, but, specifically, the committee hopes to hire a landscaping company. He said while they’ve taken major strides toward preserving the lake with their cleanup days, a landscaping company would be able to get more done than the committee ever could in one day.
Additionally, the township is in the process of dredging one of Strawbridge’s small ponds, so the committee hopes to build a fishing dock there. Depending on how much they raise, the committee may also fund the replacement of swings at the nearby playground.
“It’s another example of how the township is fortunate to have these volunteer groups help in different areas,” Merchel said.
Gravenstine said, thus far, the event is turning out to be exactly what he hoped for.
“I think it’s going to turn out to be a really great day,” Gravenstine said enthusiastically. “We’re hoping it becomes an annual event.”
Registration will take place at 8:30 a.m. on May 19 the corner of Haines Drive and Kings Highway. The race’s entry fee is $25 and includes a race day T-shirt. Those interested in registering in advance can do so at www.paddleguru.com.
