The ninth annual Canoe to Work Day – set for June 4, 2021 and hosted by Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LLC – is a perfect socially distant activity to get out, recharge and enjoy the beauty of Indiana after a very long year. While great exercise, exploring Indiana’s waterways is also an ideal friendly outing in the era of COVID. The length of the paddle itself forces you to keep your distance from other canoers and kayakers.
An Indiana firm committed to protecting our water resources through planning and engineering solutions, Burke initially launched the event to highlight the important role our waterways play in shaping the communities where we live, work, and play. The event has grown to a community-wide initiative that encourages all Central Indiana, from commuters to families, to explore our waterways.
“Canoeing to work is one of my favorite organized events at Burke,” said Director of Planning, Sheila McKinley. “While it’s certainly not the fastest or easiest commute to work, it’s an incredible opportunity to reconnect, up close, with the river, wildlife habitat and built infrastructure. It reminds us of the value of our work as water resource planners and engineers and the need to balance the aesthetic, ecology and conveyance function of our waterways. And after 2020, it’s a great reminder of the many options to safely get outdoors together while remaining socially distant.”
The 2021 Canoe to Work Day will highlight the firm’s work with the Citizens Energy Group, as well as, the environmental and recreational value and cultural heritage and history of the White River.
In celebration, Burke is partnering with the City of Indianapolis, Citizens Energy Group, Visit Indy, Indiana DNR, White River State Park, White River Canoe Company, Friends of White River and Indy with Kids for short videos on why it is important to celebrate Indiana’s waterways.
The videos will be highlighted on Burke’s social media and YouTube channel all during the month of May. Shot near the White River, partners will share their perspectives and best tips for families and individuals to get outdoors more this year and canoe or kayak our waterways.
Canoe to Work Day kicks off at 7 a.m. in the Indianapolis metro area. Additional groups are slated to enjoy Canoe to Work Day across the state, from St. Joseph’s River in the north to the Wabash River to the south. This year’s organizers are encouraging all of Indiana to get out and enjoy the White River during the first week of June – from a riverfront walk in Strawtown Koteewi Park and a stop at the Conner Prairie Overlook to a stroll of Holliday Park’s 95 acres of trails or the winding paths of the Indianapolis Art Center’s Efroymson Riverfront Garden and everything in between.
Burke is proud to acknowledge this year’s Canoe to Work Day partners: The City of Indianapolis, Citizens Energy Group, Visit Indy, Indiana Humanities, Indy with Kids, and White River Canoe Company.