(Pennsauken, NJ) – The regatta season on the Cooper River may be half over, but some of the best competition is just heating up beginning May 5.
“This year the Cooper River is playing host to more than 15 regattas, making this our busiest rowing season ever,” said Freeholder Jeff Nash, liaison to the Camden County Parks Department. “The Cooper River, one of the county’s largest economic engines, finalized an underwater makeover last year that has paid off by attracting some of the largest national rowing events in the country.”
The dredging project has removed more than 115,000 cubic yards of sediment from the river bed. This enhanced the rowing course by deepening the previously shallow sixth lane, while creating a significant environmental benefit to the water quality. On average, the depth of the course has been increased by between five and six feet to accommodate large scale competition and create full access to the width of the river.
“Having the ability and capacity to host some of the largest rowing events in the nation is a recreational and economic benefit to Camden County,” Nash said. “This body of water is a special place for rowers and outdoor enthusiasts throughout our region and generates countless dividends for residents, businesses and the overall community by drawing competitors from throughout the nation. The improvements to the park have created a real sense of place for residents and a destination for rowers.”
The Cooper River’s Olympic-distance, 2,000-meter straightaway is widely known as one of the best rowing venues in the nation, home to numerous world-class regattas and the Cooper River Boathouse.
Upcoming Regattas on the Cooper River include:
May 5 Atlantic 10 Championships
May 11 Patriot League Championships
May 12 American Athletic Conference Championships
May 13 Ivy League, Colonial League Championships & MAAC Championships
May 24-26 Scholastic Rowing Association of America Regatta
July 7 – 16 USRowing Club Nationals
Spanning more than 346-acres through Collingswood, Haddon Township, Pennsauken and Cherry Hill, Cooper River Park has been Camden County’s gathering spot since it was created by the Works Progress Administration in 1936. Camden County is proud that the Cooper River has emerged as a premier destination for competitive rowing, adding to the diverse family-friendly attractions in our region. Cooper River Park was named a Great Place in New Jersey by the American Planning Association-New Jersey Chapter and continues to be one of the best greenspaces of the Delaware Valley.
For the complete regatta schedule and more information, visit www.camdencounty.com.