Paddleboats coming back to Batavia Riverwalk

The visit to the Batavia Riverwalk will soon be a bit more fun, as you'll be able to cruise Depot Pond in rental paddleboats.

The Batavia Park District will launch the service July 10 during Windmill City Festival. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is at 5 p.m. just north of the Peg Bond Center, Houston Street and Island Avenue.

During the three-day festival, rentals will be half-price.

The district last offered rental paddleboats in 2000. The service was run by an independent contractor, who declined to renew the agreement.

"What's better on Depot Pond than to bring the paddleboats back?" said Carla Hill, director of the Depot Museum, which oversees the Riverwalk. "I'm excited!"

There will four boats. "They're really nice; I think people will enjoy them," Hill said. If it goes well, the district hopes to add more boats.

Paddlers will be able to go as far as the North Point Pavilion, but not into the Fox River, which feeds Depot Pond.

The four-person boats will be available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily July 13 through Aug. 23, and 1 to 6 p.m. weekends Aug. 29-Sept. 27.

The fee is $10 for 30 minutes.

Renters will need to present a valid driver's license or photo identification. Children 10 and younger must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older. Life jackets are required and will be provided.

For more information, call Hill at (630) 406-5274.