MARTIN COUNTY — Visitors to Halpatiokee Regional Park will be able to rent kayaks, canoes and bikes for recreation.

What happened: The Martin County Commission Tuesday unanimously approved a 10-year lease with Halpatiokee Outdoor Center to bring rentals to the northeast corner of the park, using an existing 1,500 square-foot building and public kayak and canoe launch. The operation along the St. Lucie River, at 7647 SW Lost River Road, will include pontoon boat tours and concession services with food, drinks and alcohol, according to the lease.   

Details and background: The kayak and canoe launch will remain free and open to the public, said Kevin Kirwin, deputy director of the county Parks and Recreation Department. 

The outdoor center will pay $4,000 a month rent, which will increase 3% annually, according to the lease. Rick Clegg, president of Halpatiokee Outdoor Center, also oversees Jupiter Outdoor Center based at Riverbend Park in Palm Beach County. There’s not yet a specific opening date.

Notable statements: 

• County Commissioner Sarah Heard: “I’m really pleased to see that Mr. Clegg bid on this. I’ve been to Riverbend Park (and) to your facility there. It’s very, very well run … I’m really excited about the possibility that you can make this a success, too, because it’s a terrific spot.”
• Clegg: “We’ve been the leading provider of ecotourism activities in Jupiter for the last 25 years … We really look forward to assisting the residents of Martin County and its visitors and getting outdoors and enjoying nature.”