Gowanus Canal Gets Its Own Summer Regatta

Brooklyn's notoriously fetid waterway, the Gowanus Canal, will be the site of an inaugural regatta this summer, according to The New York Daily News.

Gowanus Dredgers along with Red Hook Boaters will host the first "Gowanus Challenge" on Saturday, June 15, challenging canoers and kayakers to race along the 2.5 mile course in an effort to raise money for future canal education efforts. Each rowing team is expected to raise $500.

"This is the first race where the entire course, and the ensuing awards banquet will be held completely on a US-government sanctioned Superfund site,” dredger Owen Foote told the News. 

In the meantime, the EPA presented its 10-year plan for cleanup of the canal in December. Residents currently have until April 27 to respond with their opinions.