The Saint Charles Rowing Club (SCRC) and the Kane County Forest Preserve are pleased to announce the first step in the development and usage of Fox River Bluff East (FRBE) Forest Preserve as a Community Rowing Facility. SCRC is the only 501c3 NFP competitive junior rowing club on the Fox River Illinois. The new land usage agreement with SCRC and the ongoing support from the Kane County Forest Preserve Board are exciting initial steps in the engagement of the community for usage of the Fox River as a rowing venue.
The co-ed juniors rowing club consisting of 30+ area high schoolers is thrilled about the community support and the unique and amazing opportunity this will be for the area. The club is most grateful for the support of John Hoscheit, President of Kane County Forest Preserve & Kane County Board member; and Monica Meyers, Executive Director of Kane County Forest Preserve; along with the local schools, numerous universities and regional rowing teams.
Fox River Bluff East is approximately 35 wooded acres, and 720 feet of river frontage on the Fox River in Saint Charles. Located just north of the Red Gate Bridge, it is the ideal location for regional and national rowing regattas and events, bringing in tourists, spectators and competitors. There is also a bike path that runs alongside. SCRC is expected to relocate to the site in spring 2015.
"It will be our 'forever home,'" said Chris Meldrum, President of SCRC. "We have offered not only competitive juniors programs but diverse rowing programs as well."
"There is excitement among local and national crew teams looking forward to coming to Saint Charles to compete" said Meldrum. "Our main focus is to bring the community together as rowers, engaging the river not only as rowing platform but as a venue to provide scholarship opportunities. This is an exciting first step in making St. Charles a rowing destination!"
Basic land and riverfront modifications, temporary docking, and safe river access to the river top the list, but the club remains energized about the future and what this project means to Saint Charles and surrounding communities. Per Meldrum, "Fundraising for a community boathouse will be extensive, but we believe in this program and we will only grow. It's great to be the only hometown team."