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Extending the Public Paddlecraft Rack Pilot Project
For the purpose of extending a City of Annapolis pilot project; allowing a public paddlecraft rack in a street-end city park located on the City's waterfront; lowering the paddlecraft rack fee; and generally related to the paddlecraft pilot project.
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City Council of the
City of Annapolis
Resolution 4-26
Introduced by: Mayor Littmann (by request of the Harbormaster)
Co-sponsored by: Alderman Savidge
Referred to: Finance Committee
A RESOLUTION concerning
Extending the Public Paddlecraft Rack Pilot Project
FOR the purpose of extending a City of Annapolis pilot project; allowing a public paddlecraft rack in a street-end city park located on the City's waterfront; lowering the paddlecraft rack fee; and generally related to the paddlecraft pilot project.
WHEREAS, The City of Annapolis acknowledges the importance of promoting outdoor recreational activities on its waterways and providing opportunities for residents to engage in healthy and enjoyable water activities; and
WHEREAS, Paddlecraft, which includes kayaks, paddleboards and canoes, is a popular Annapolis water sport that fosters physical activity, mental well-being, and a stronger sense of community; and
WHEREAS, Enhancing waterfront access in the city and improving paddle craft use at one of the street-end parks is expected to elevate the city's recreational experience, and this expectation will be assessed through the pilot project; and
WHEREAS, A paddlecraft rack was installed in June 2025 at Truxtun Park, following City Council adoption of R-47-23; however, the Annapolis Harbormaster has determined that a full boating season is necessary to evaluate the pilot project's effectiveness; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, the Harbormaster recommends lowering the fee for City residents to store a kayak, canoe, or other paddlecraft on the public paddlecraft rack at Truxtun Park from $300 per year to $150 per year for City residents, and from $600 per year to $350 per year for non-residents during the duration of the pilot project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that:
1. Extension. The Annapolis City Council hereby approves an extension of the pilot project for installing and operating a paddlecraft rack in a street-end park until the end of the 2026 boating season on December 1, 2026.
a. The City Manager is authorized to promulgate rules and specifications for the paddlecraft rack, which continues through this extension.
b. The City Manager is authorized to implement a permitting process and regulations for the paddlecraft racks, which shall include, but not be limited to:
i. Storage duration;
ii. Hours of operation for the paddlecraft rack;
iii. Maintenance responsibilities;
iv. Security measures to protect the paddlecraft;
v. Procedures for reporting any issues or concerns regarding the paddlecraft racks.
c. Such regulations shall continue to be posted on the City website and at the paddlecraft rack location.
2. Funding.
a. The pilot project's cost shall continue to be funded by fees charged for using the paddlecraft rack.
b. The fees shall be as follows:
i. $ 50 per person to join the paddle craft rack waiting list;
ii. $150 per year, per paddlecraft storage for City residents; and
iii. $350 per year, per paddlecraft storage for non-residents.
3. Evaluation.
a. The City Manager, or their designee, shall assess the pilot project at the conclusion of the pilot project and this extension, on December 1, 2026.
b. Within 30 days after the pilot project ends, the City Manager will submit a report to the Annapolis City Council containing recommendations on whether to make the project permanent and, if so, whether to expand it.
AND BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED BY THE ANNAPOLIS CITY COUNCIL that this resolution shall take effect upon passage.