INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Indian River Rowing Club, a nonprofit 501.3c established in 2008, received a vote of approval from the Marine Commission to pursue the possibilities of a long term lease in MacWilliam Park to build a signature boathouse structure. The vote was 4 to 1.
Chris Ryan, a leader in the boathouse project and member of the rowing club, founded the Pittsburgh rowing movement. As a board member of U.S. rowing since 1994, he summarized the evolution of rowing in communities, noting that 90 percent of the rowers are students from middle through college aged. He sees a similar pattern evolving here in Vero Beach.
“Rowing clubs provide structure for safety,” Ryan added. Many concerns regarding water safety issues, noise and traffic issues were addressed.
Indian River Rowing Club is pleased with this important step and looks forward to the March 6 meeting with city council to pursue lease options on the 1.33 acre parcel in the park.
For information about Indian River Rowing Club, please visit their website at http://www.IndianRiverRowingClub.com.
