Kayak Pittsburgh set to open Friday at Aspinwall Riverfront Park

Kayakers will be able to get out on the water in Aspinwall this weekend, Venture Outdoors announced Thursday.

After a stalled start to the season amid covid-19 concerns, the group said it will open its Kayak Pittsburgh site at the Aspinwall Riverfront Park on Friday for members.

Access will be open to the general public on Saturday.

Kayak Pittsburgh is a kayak rental facility where people, even those with no experience, can learn to get out on the water. One-hour rentals start at $19.

Operated by Venture Outdoors, Kayak Pittsburgh has two other locations, one in North Park and one on Pittsburgh’s North Shore.

The North Park venue opened last week.

Ebony Montgomery, director of development and communications, said kayaking offers people a unique way to get outside while socially distanced.

Limited rentals will be available each hour to make sure the equipment can be sanitized and the waterways are less crowded.

“We know getting outdoors while staying safe and social distancing is key to helping people reduce stress and stay well,” Venture Outdoors President Valerie Beichner said.

“We’re opening our Aspinwall location to help more folks enjoy fresh air and the wellness benefits our landscape has to offer.”

It appears that the North Park site was a popular reprieve for people during its first stint earlier this summer. After opening in early June, the facility was sold out daily before temporarily closing on July 2, Montgomery said.

Registration is available at VentureOutdoors.org/reservations and is required for all time slots.