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SAVE THE DATE: Saturday Evening, July 13, 2024

Concert Theme is “Car Tunes”

What is Paddle to the Symphony?

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 (past, present & future), SOLAR members and any group, club or individual. Anyone and everyone is welcome.

For over 35 years, Kensington Metropark in Milford, MI has been the home to Paddle to the Symphony. Once again, the event returns to the park and to Kent Lake on Saturday, July 13, 2024 for an evening of music and paddling. The Michigan Philharmonic performs a free concert at 7:30 p.m. on Maple Beach. However, Paddle to the Symphony goers will meet on the other side of the lake on the shoreline of North Martindale Beach – hence the term “paddle to the symphony.”

Getting There and Meeting Up

Meet at Kensington Metro Park in Milford, Michigan at the shoreline near the North Martindale Picnic Shelter. We’ll be located at the white pop-up tent for participants to check in.

Do NOT follow the park signs to the concert, as we are positioned across the lake. Instead, follow the Kensington park signs to “Martindale Beach,” park at the North end of the lot (to the right looking at the water) and walk toward Shelter C and then to the shoreline. Anyone going on the water should arrive by 7:00 p.m.

Water, soft drinks, and snacks will be available for everyone with any option you select. All canoes and kayaks MUST have at least one adult per watercraft. If you bring your own canoe or kayak (personal boat), our staff will assist transport of the boat from the parking lot to the shoreline. Vehicles are NOT allowed to drive to the shoreline.

While the concert is free, our paddle event has a fee and attendees must sign-up to participate in the paddle. Online registration available until July 12.

Registration TBA for 2024

2023 Paddle Options:

Everyone is welcome. Membership in HI (Hostelling International) and SOLAR (School of Outdoor Leadership and Recreation) will be confirmed.

Rates (All Pricing is Per Boat)

$40	Single Kayaks (Adults) Seats 1 Adult
$60	Tandem Kayaks Seats 2 Adults
$60	Canoes Seats 2 Adults & 1 Child
$20	Personal Boat (Kayak or Canoe)

$5 discount per boat for HI or SOLAR members (Contact Organization for Promo Code)

Please Note: With any option you choose, you will still be responsible for the park vehicle entrance fee of $10.00 ($15.00 after 5:00 p.m.) so carpool if you can. Participants MUST arrive by 7:00 p.m.

Timeline of Evening:

6:00 p.m. Welcome
6:00 p.m. Kayaks/Canoes Begin to Launch
7:30 p.m. Last Boats Launch and Concert Starts
9:00 p.m. Start to Paddle Back
9:30 p.m. Kayaks/Canoes Return
10:00 p.m. Thank you and Goodnight

What to bring:

Sunscreen and/or Hat
Change of clothes (just in case you get wet)
Jacket (evening may cool down)
Lawn chairs or blanket (if you plan to go to shore to hear the music)

DO NOT TAKE BOATS INTO SWIMMING AREAS

GPS Google Map to Shoreline Check-in Point

Map to Kensington Metropark

This event is being organized by the legacy council for the Michigan Council of Hostelling International. The Paddle to the Symphony event was founded as an HI Michigan activity and is now supported by members of many groups and clubs of Southeast Michigan, including SOLAR Outdoors.

The event is Rain or Shine. 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 that this has only happened only once in 35 years of hosting the event. Sorry, no refunds.