RICHMOND, Ky. — The Richmond Outdoor Committee (ROC) is hosting a series of spring activities this month, giving residents the chance to participate in guided kayaking and personal safety workshops. The sessions take place at Lake Reba Park and Irvine-McDowell Park and are open to a range of skill levels, from first-time paddlers to those looking for practical self-defense training.
🛶 Kayaking Workshops at Lake Reba Park
Women’s Wilderness Kayaking Workshop: Thursday, May 14, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Led by certified ROC instructors, this session focuses on paddling techniques, basic water safety, and guided navigation of Lake Reba.
Kayak Fun Float: Saturday, May 16, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
A relaxed, family-friendly group float where participants can bring their own kayaks or borrow community-provided equipment.
Registration required: Space is limited for these equipment-based sessions, and pre-registration is required through the Richmond Parks and Recreation online portal:
https://richmondky.recdesk.com/Community/Home
🥋 Self-Defense Workshop at Irvine-McDowell Park
Women’s Wilderness Self-Defense: Tuesday, May 19, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
This workshop teaches practical personal safety and defense techniques for women and older teens.
Note for voters: This session starts at the same time polls close for the Madison County Primary Election. Residents planning to attend should ensure they vote earlier in the day or during the early voting window, May 14 to 16.
📌 Logistics
All ROC spring activities are free to the public. Participants should wear weather-appropriate clothing and bring a water bottle. In the event of inclement weather, updates will be posted on Richmond Parks and Recreation social media.
More information:
https://richmondky.gov/1173/Richmond-Outdoor-Committee
Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond
🌿 Community, Arts & Civic
- Levitt BLOC Berea Kickoff (305 Estill St.) — Tuesday, May 12, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Madison County Beef Day (1000 Ival James Blvd.) — Tuesday, May 12, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Tasty Tuesdays (Irvine-McDowell Park) — Tuesday, May 12 (every Tuesday), 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Madison County Early Voting Window — Thursday, May 14 to Saturday, May 16, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Amy Lewis “Origins” Reception (444 Chestnut St.) — Friday, May 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- SummerFest (The Pinnacles) — Sunday, May 17, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Primary Election Day — Tuesday, May 19, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Berea Arts Council Garden Tour (Various Locations) — Saturday, May 23, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Tools and Stools Workshop (116 Spring Circle Dr.) — May 30 to 31
🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse
Tickets and info: TheSpotlightPlayhouse.com
- Annie: The Musical (The Bluegrass Players), May 15 to 24
- Annie KIDS (Spotlight Acting School), May 29 to June 7
- Creative Arts Camp (“New York, New York”), June 8 to 12
- Macbeth (The Bluegrass Players), June 19 to 28
- Film Acting Camp (Rising 6th to Age 18), June 29 to July 3
About the Author
Dr. Chad Hembree is the Executive Director of Spotlight Acting School, The Spotlight Playhouse, and Spotlight Performing Arts. Affectionately known to the community as “Mr. Chad,” he is a playwright, director, and performer with a professional background spanning music, theater, and technology. As a contributor and editor for BereaOnline.com, he focuses on highlighting community news, local events, and the evolving intersection of technology and the arts in Madison County.