"Today's sojourners had the opportunity to kayak on the Tidal DelawareWater Trail, one of Pennsylvania's 20 designated water trails," explainedPatrick Starr, Senior Vice President of the Pennsylvania EnvironmentalCouncil, a co-organizer of both the Sojourn and the free kayaking program."We're showing people that they can have fun on the river in Philadelphia-- whether it's a day-long trip like the sojourn, or 20 minutes of freepaddling in the marina."

The free kayaking program will begin July 11th (anticipated start date). Itwill offer Philadelphians and visitors the opportunity to paddle around thePenn's Landing Marina under the supervision of trained kayak staff.

Kayaking will be offered Thursday and Friday evenings from 4:00 p.m. to7:00 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on afirst-come, first-served basis. There will be six solo kayaks and onetandem kayak available.

"During the Civic Vision planning process, Philadelphians overwhelminglyexpressed their desire for better access to the Delaware River," said MayorMichael A. Nutter. "We're excited to bring this new free kayaking programto Penn's Landing, not only bringing residents and visitors to the DelawareRiver, but enabling them to enjoy a new amenity where they can actually getinto the Delaware River." Funding for the free kayak program comes from theTake Me to the River grant program, administered by the Delaware ValleyRegional Planning Commission with funding from the William Penn Foundation.

Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) is a nonprofit corporationorganized exclusively for the benefit of the City of Philadelphia and itscitizens. DRWC acts as the steward of the Delaware River waterfront toprovide a benefit to all of the citizens and visitors of the City.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council promotes the protection andrestoration of the natural and built environments through innovation,collaboration, education and advocacy with the private sector, government,individuals and communities as partners to improve the quality of life forall Pennsylvanians. PEC recently released the Tidal Delaware Water Trailmap and web site, which guides boaters, sailors and kayakers to boatlaunches, amenities, safety considerations, and nearly 40 points ofinterest along the Delaware River from Morrisville to Marcus Hook.

More information for the free kayaking program at Penn's Landing can befound at www.pecpa.org orwww.delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com