AKRON KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Free Volunteer Kayak Cleanup on the Mahoning River — Packard Park to Gould Stewart Park
A free, community-led river clean-up on June 28, 2025: kayaks, paddles and life jackets provided — sign up early, spaces are limited.
Free Volunteer Kayak Cleanup on the Mahoning River — Packard Park to Gould Stewart Park.
Adventure brief
Free Volunteer Kayak Cleanup on the Mahoning River — Packard Park to Gould Stewart Park
On the morning of June 28, 2025, volunteers gather at Packard Park in Akron to push off into the Mahoning River for a coordinated kayak clean-up. Organized by Paddle The River in partnership with Friends of the Mahoning River and supported by the H2Ohio Healthy Rivers Livery Program, this on-water effort pairs basic paddling with hands-on stewardship as participants remove debris from the river corridor between Packard Park and Gould Stewart Park.
Join Paddle The River on June 28th, 2025, for a rewarding River Clean-Up Kayak experience on the Mahoning River near Akron, Ohio. This event offers a unique combination of active environmental stewardship and outdoor fun, where participants paddle sections of the Mahoning River, collecting debris to help protect and preserve this local waterway. Whether you're an experienced paddler or a beginner, all equipment and safety gear are provided, making it easy to focus on the cause and the river scenery. Beyond just cleaning up, you'll get to enjoy peaceful paddling surrounded by Ohio’s natural riverine environment, meeting like-minded community members passionate about conservation and recreation. Don't miss this opportunity to make a positive impact while enjoying a refreshing day on the water. Early registration is advised to guarantee your spot for this meaningful and enjoyable environmental adventure.
Route Schematic
Route & key stops
The outing moves downstream along a defined section of the Mahoning River with a launch, an on-water cleanup zone, and a takeout.
Packard Park (Launch & check-in)
Volunteers meet, complete waivers, receive a safety briefing and pick up kayaks, paddles, life jackets and collection supplies before launching.
Mahoning River cleanup section
Participants paddle downstream, removing trash and debris from the water and riverbed, including items that may range from glass and plastics to larger metals.
Gould Stewart Park (Takeout)
The sweep concludes at Gould Stewart Park where volunteers secure collected debris and wrap up the day’s efforts.
All volunteers must sign a waiver before participating; safety instructions and a brief training session are provided at the start of the event.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The morning blends a practical stewardship rhythm with the steady cadence of paddling: a brief safety orientation and gear distribution at the launch, then a directed sweep downriver collecting bottles, plastics, metal and larger items such as tires and bikes where they are found. It’s part community service, part outdoor labor, with organizers supplying the necessary boats and cleanup equipment so volunteers can focus on the work.
THE EVENT
Free, organized volunteer day
This is a free volunteer event on June 28, 2025 that combines community service with paddling; registration is required because on‑river spots are limited.
THE GEAR
Kayaks, paddles and safety gear provided
Organizers supply kayaks, paddles, life jackets, gloves, collection bags and other necessary supplies — participants may also bring their own kayaks if preferred.
THE ROUTE
Packard Park to Gould Stewart Park
Volunteers will paddle the Mahoning River on a section that runs from Packard Park to Gould Stewart Park, collecting trash and debris from the water and riverbed.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this event is best for — and what commitments are required.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The event takes place on June 28, 2025, running from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM; expect an organized morning schedule including check-in and a safety briefing.
Participants must wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor work; bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and a towel/change of clothes if desired.
Kayaks, paddles and life jackets will be provided, along with gloves, collection bags and other necessary cleanup supplies; volunteers may also bring their own kayaks.
This is a zero-waste event; volunteers are asked to bring reusable containers where possible and follow the safety briefing and instructions provided at the start.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Is there a cost to participate?
No — this is a free volunteer event.
When and where does the clean-up start and end?
The event is on June 28, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM, running on the Mahoning River from Packard Park to Gould Stewart Park.
Will equipment be provided?
Yes — organizers will provide kayaks, paddles, life jackets, gloves, collection bags and other necessary supplies; participants may also bring their own kayaks.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and clothing that can get wet and dirty; bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle and a towel/change of clothes if desired.
Do I need to sign anything to participate?
Yes — all volunteers must sign a waiver before participating.
What types of debris might we remove?
Items along the river can vary in size and weight and may include tires, bikes, various metals, glass bottles, plastics and cans.
How do I register or get more information?
Registration is free but spaces are limited; for more details contact Moneen at [email protected] or text (330) 967-0003.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-05T19:27:07.374Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.