SEBASTIAN — Boaters and recreational paddlers will have to find another place to access the water on an upcoming Saturday after the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved closing down the ramp at Dale Wimbrow Park in Sebastian for a fund-raising paddling competition.
The event, called Up the River with a Paddle, is meant to raise funds for By the River, a senior housing facility located in Sebastian and will be held at the park Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“It’s a very, very special event,” said organizer Joe Coakley, noting that such an event has never been done in Indian River County – to his knowledge.
Competitors will take to the water to challenge one another in one of several categories, including short and long distance courses.
The park is located at 11805 Roseland Road.
Those not participating in the competition are encouraged to find another place to put in their watercraft or do so prior to and after the event.
Commissioner Wesley Davis told Coakley during the discussion that organizers would be wise to make accommodations for those who use the ramp prior to the races, so they don’t have to wait in the water for hours.
Coakley said they would work to make such accommodations.
Organizers have been advertising the event state-wide and are expecting numerous people to arrive from outside the Treasure Coast.
Coakley told commissioners that the event would not only help raise funds for the senior community but also bring awareness to and help showcase Indian River County.
“We are in very serious need to raise funds,” he told commissioners.
By the River is a non-profit organization established to provide comfortable housing and care to seniors who would otherwise not be able to afford to stay at a retirement home.
“We’re trying to help sustain that project,” Coakley said.
Commissioner Davis said he would support the temporary closure of the park, likening it to how the county accommodates the Special Olympics Aquatic Games at the North County Aquatic Center.
He did ask that organizers spread the word about the park’s closing in advance of the paddling competition.
The park, itself, will remain open to the public the entire day. The event is open to the public, with free admission for those wanting to watch the races.
The fee to enter the race varies and starts at $5 for children under 14.