Lake Chaminwood debuts new kayak rental station
A new kayak rental station is now up and running at the Forest Preserve District’s Lake Chaminwood Preserve in Channahon.
The Rent.Fun station opened on Friday, Aug. 30, and is ready to go for the Labor Day weekend. The station consists of a metal locker unit located near the launch and contains eight locked compartments. Each compartment is equipped with a single sit-on-top kayak.
“Preserve patrons will be able to rent a kayak from the locker by downloading the Rent.Fun app, creating an account, entering their credit card information, and signing the waiver,” explained Jenna Wright, the Forest Preserve’s permitting and recreation supervisor. “There are QR codes on the unit to help them along. Once they complete those steps, they will be able to unlock the locker with the app and remove the equipment. Each locker includes a kayak, paddle, and life vest.”
The cost is $25 for the first two hours and $15 for each additional hour, she added.
“At the end of their reservation, they have the option to add more time or return the kayak and equipment to the station,” she said. “They must properly store everything, close the locker, and take a photo.”
Customer service questions and issues should be sent to Rent.Fun through the app. There is an option to chat with its customer support or submit a support ticket.
The station will be operational from April 1 through Oct. 31 each year.
The kayak rental station comes on the heels of a major, two-phase renovation at the preserve that expanded the parking lot, extended the loop trail to connect with the state-owned I&M Canal Trail, and saw the installation of an accessible kayak launch that makes it easier for people of all abilities to enter the water.
“This new kayak rental station is icing on the cake for Lake Chaminwood, which features a 35-acre lake,” said Cindy Wojdyla Cain, the Forest Preserve’s public information officer. “For those who don’t have a way to transport their own kayaks to the lake or don’t have kayaks at all, this is a wonderful way to test the waters of this lovely preserve.”
Lake Chaminwood offers trailer parking for personal canoes and kayaks. Boating also is allowed at Lake Chaminwood, but only boats that can be transported in or on top of a vehicle and carried or rolled by hand cart to the lake are permitted because there is no boat launch at the 120-acre preserve. The preserve also is a great spot for hiking and biking.