To Whom It May Concern:

This is to offer Legacy Paddlesports’ enthusiastic support for the development of a recreational venue on the Neuse River, led by the efforts of the Carolina Canoe Club.

Paddlers and the local retailer Paddle Creek have been working on this for years, and have been encouraged recently by the support and enthusiasm of District B Council Member Rodger Koopman, who has offered to bring this to the City Council for decisive action. They understand that re-engineering a river is a sizeable task, and also view the the success of well over forty whitwater courses and parks in the US alone as validation of the projected success here in our backyard.

As a manufacturer of kayaks and paddling accessories nearby in Greensboro, North Carolina, we are of course excited about a project that would make paddling more accessible for our citizens compared to the day-long or weekend trip that is usually required to hone skills and seek exercise on the river.  In addition, if accompanying streamside improvements facilitate hiking and biking and spectating for the general public, the paddling activity will provide an anchor activity for a revitalized river corridor. 

We have been an active supporter of the US National Whitewater Center, and have been impressed its success at attracting the public to become familiar with and recreate in or around the course, year-round.

I am heartened by Council Member Koopman’s vision for the county and look forward to seeing this project move forward.

Sincerely,

Andy Zimmerman

President and CEO

Legacy Paddlesports