The City of Gadsden has announced it will offer a new form of recreation on the Coosa River this summer.

Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford said on social media last weekend that the city now has a variety of pedal boats available for rent on the river. Each boat seats up to five people, with two paddlers in the front and a fully enclosed bench seat in the back.

“We're excited to offer something fun and safe for families and friends to enjoy this summer while enjoying Gadsden's great outdoors,” said Mayor Craig Ford. “We can't wait to see photos of people watching the purple dragons, ducks and swans migrating up and down the river.”

“It's going to be so much fun!”

The city launched a trial run of rentals over Memorial Day weekend. Anyone interested in renting a boat can come to the bait shop at Coosa Landing starting at 9 a.m. The last rental of the day is at 5 p.m.

Rentals require proof of age 18 or older. Life jackets are mandatory and the city provides them for approved passengers.

Rental costs $20 for up to one hour, but if you need to use it for more than one hour, it will cost $20 for the first hour and $15 for each additional hour.

Due to Coosa Landing hours of operation, last rental time for that day on Saturday, May 25th will be 4pm, but due to extended summer hours on Sunday, May 26th, last rental time will be 5pm.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer for Yellow Hammer News.