Photograph: Werner Schmidt

Friday, February 10, 2012

Rowing Is Back In Springfield!

A couple of days ago, HTBS received an e-mail from Jonathan Moss, President of the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club in Springfield, Massachusetts. I am happy to share the exciting news with the HTBS readers. Jonathan Moss writes,

The history of Springfield rowing is nearly as old as the 150+ year old history of American Rowing. Yet, it had a dark period for many decades ... until now. The Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club will bring rowing back to the facility which had public school rowing out of it in the early 1900s. We were recently notified by the City of Springfield of our winning proposal!

Much work needs to be done for development of facility, location, and programs. But this was the first very critical step in the vision of the organization (and, my dream since moving to the area 10 years ago and learning of its past). We will be putting lots of sweat equity and other efforts forward in the coming weeks and years. To get us started, we’re launching a fundraising campaign. The first $18,000 raised will be matched dollar for dollar by some local advocates who share our vision. Please, consider helping to fund this effort by going to our donation page here.

To have a facility will not only allow us to continue our youth and adult programs along with inner-city outreach efforts, but we should also be able to expand and stay on top of equipment maintenance much more easily. We plan to have more than just rowing connecting people to healthy activities in Springfield. North Riverfront Park is conveniently located between the river and a bike path while being conveniently accessible by car.

To get a bird’s eye view of the site, click here.

Thanks so much for your encouragement, interest and support.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Moss
President, Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club
Rowing@pvrowing.org
cell phone: (413) 262-0945

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