Greater Maywood Paddling Program

2022 NACo Achievement Award Winner

Cook County, Ill., IL

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About the Program

Category: Parks and Recreation (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

The Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC) is one of the oldest and largest urban conservation districts in the United States and seeks to protect and conserve public lands where all people feel welcome to explore nature. The FPCC is committed to promoting an infrastructure and culture that is based on equity and inclusion and is actively working with partners to provide a variety of programs that link people with nature, including launching initiatives to better connect with residents of historically excluded communities. In 2018 the FPCC launched the Greater Maywood Paddling Program (GMPP) at Maywood Grove Forest Preserve along the Des Plaines River in Maywood, Illinois. The program provides opportunities for organized groups to connect to nature through paddling experiences. Group leaders of participating community partners are trained on kayaking, use and care of gear and how to lead kayaking trips. Once certified, trained leaders have use of the kayak gear library and all the supplies needed to lead an organized group paddling trip, free of charge. The GMPP is a unique community paddling initiative that provides an affordable, supportive, and accessible way for people to connect to nature and participate in healthy exercise through kayaking.