Kayak Company Looking to Expand into Plainfield

A local kayaking company is taking steps to begin offering rentals and lessons in Plainfield.

Last week, Plainfield trustees approved a resolution directing the village attorney to draft a concession agreement that would allow Troy Cooper, owner of Naperville Kayak, to run a kayak service along the DuPage River.

The service would operate out of Electric Park West. Cooper is also looking to ink an agreement with the Plainfield Park District that would allow him to use the 135th Street canoe/kayak launch to link up with Electric Park West.

Like his Naperville business, the Plainfield company would be a full-service kayak operation offering beginner classes taught by certified instructions, along with kayak rentals and guided group trips.

Naperville Kayak has been in operation for four years and has brought an estimated 3,800 people to downtown Naperville to kayak, according to village documents.

"It's working out great in Naperville," said trustee Margie Bonuchi, adding, "It's going to bring more people, more awareness to the riverfront (in Plainfield)."

Kayakers already regularly use the DuPage River in Plainfield, Bonuchi added.

Trustee Ed O'Rourke said the business could bring a new recreation opportunity to Plainfield residents.

The business would operate out of village-owned property, meaning that Plainfield would be joined in any legal action against the company, according to attorney Jim Harvey.

The business would run from May to October, with hours of operation from 7 a.m. to dusk.

Rob Epley, executive director of the Plainfield Riverfront Foundation, wrote a letter to trustees supporting the project, calling it a "tremendous benefit" that would enhance recreational activities in the village and bring visitors to Plainfield.

Image via Patch file