Another hot one out there Sunday but good news for those looking to cool off and have some fun at the same time. The East Race Waterway is now open in South Bend. The Parks and Recreation Department said it's been open for nearly 30 years but despite that there were still people who were checking it out for the first time Sunday.
Kirt Feinstein visited the East Race Waterway with his family because they needed some cheering up. "One of our sons had a tournament for tee ball or baseball and we been out here and they almost won the championship they just missed the game before they got into the championship," said Feinstein. And there's no better way to cheer someone up than some fun in the sun. Feinstein was excited for the kids to experience an adventure. "See em get wet and scared. They're gonna be a little bit scared. They act all cool but we're gonna make sure they get a little timid and they'll see how fun the water can be," said Feinstein.
And they weren't the only group taking their first trip down the waterway. Boy Scout troop 908 from Chesterton was testing the waters of the rafting world before they're on bigger rapids.
Logan Castro said, "we're doing a few training runs for West Virginia."
The South Bend Parks and Recreation Department said that's actually a pretty common reason for people to visit the east race. Robert Heiderman with the department said, "people come here to practice before they go on the big rivers."
But there was another plus to hitting the water Sunday. Castro said, "gettin wet it's hot outside."
And Feinstein said, "get a little wet maybe.' Heiderman said, "water's in the 60's and it's refreshing."
And you were bound to feel a lot of that refreshing water. You are guaranteed to get wet on the rapids.
The East Race is open until August 12th every Saturday and Sunday. They are open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The cost is $5 per person. And they're open even when it's not hot out. They stay open through rain and snow and only close for lightening and high winds. For more information visit http://sbpark.org/parks/east-race-waterway/
