Paddle to the Symphony 2022

Paddle to the Symphony is a Celebration of Southeast Michigan outdoor groups and a reunion for Hostelling International members – the founders of the event. This annual tradition is open to HI-USA members, SOLAR members, and to any group, club, or individual. HI and SOLAR members receive a discount to paddle (membership status will be confirmed).

This year’s Paddle to the Symphony will be Saturday, July 9, 2022, and the concert will be “Michigan Philharmonic at the Movies." It will feature music from old to new movies – including new music from “Encanto.

The event is collaborating with Heavner Canoe to provide a fun evening on the water while enjoying the sounds of the Michigan Philharmonic. Meet at Kensington Metro Park in Milford, Michigan at the shoreline, near the North Martindale Picnic Shelter.

Do NOT follow the signs to the concert, as we are positioned across the lake. Instead, follow the signs to “Martindale Beach,” park, and meet us at the white pop-up tent next to the shelter. Anyone going on the water should arrive by 7:00 p.m.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. While the concert itself is free, the paddle portion has fees.

You may RSVP here on Meetup to let others know you are attending, however you MUST register directly with the event to attend. Details and Registration are Now Open at www.PaddleToTheSymphony.com.

Paddle Options:

$5 discount per boat for HI or SOLAR members!

Single Kayak (Seats 1 Person)
$40 per person ($40 per boat)

Tandem Kayak (Seats 2 People)
$30 per person ($60 per boat)

Canoes (Seats 2-3 People)
Middle passenger should be less than 100 lbs
$30 per person ($60 per boat)

Bring Your Own Personal Boat
Park in the lot and we will assist portage to the shoreline if needed
$20 per person / boat

The fee pays for refreshments, snacks, and the organization of the event. We have special permission to launch from this area. Event staff will also provide moving your canoe or kayak from the parking lot to the shoreline. You may NOT drive to the shore in your own car (this is a Metropark rule).

Registration Now Open at www.PaddleToTheSymphony.com

Online registration will include a link to sign an online waiver. Everyone going in a Heavner boat MUST complete a waiver. Thank you.

Water, soft drinks, and snacks will be available for everyone. All canoes and kayaks MUST have at least one adult (age 16+) per watercraft. Heavner boat rentals come with life jackets (PFD) and paddles.

Please Note: With any option you choose, you will still be responsible for the park vehicle entrance fee, so carpool if you can. The daily fee is $10 BEFORE 5:00 p.m. (AFTER 5:00 p.m. the daily entrance fee will be $15 for this special event). So, come early for the better rate to get into the park - enjoy the park - meet us at 6:00 p.m.

We'll all meet at the white pop-up tent NEAR the North Martindale Beach (Picnic Shelter "C") or at the shoreline. Looking at the water from the parking lot, the shelter is to the right and near the shore.

GPS Map to Shelter C: https://goo.gl/maps/KAiiychEyWS2

Kensington Park Map: http://www.metroparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2017-Kensington-Map1.pdf?x91894

Paddle Event Timeline:

6:00 p.m. Official Reception
6:30 p.m. Canoe Launch Begins
7:30 p.m. Concert Starts
9:00 p.m. Start to Paddle Back
9:30 p.m. Canoes Return
10:00 p.m. Thank you and Goodnight

What to Bring:

Sunscreen and/or Hat
Change of clothes (just in case)
Jacket and Lawn Chairs

The DNR has the final say regarding watercraft going on the water. If weather conditions restrict canoeing then we will shuttle attendees to the concert and back. Heavner Canoe will offer vouchers to return to canoe if this happens. Please note this has only happened once in all the years of the event.