Livery set to open following city lease agreement

Tecumseh Paddling Company could be setting up business for a recreational canoe and kayak livery service at the Tecumseh Community Center as early as next week, now that owner Mark Johnson has signed a lease agreement with the city. Tecumseh City Manager Kevin Welch said the agreement was signed on Thursday, June 6.Tecumseh City Council had directed Welch to draft a lease agreement that would allow Tecumseh Paddling Company to lease an unimproved section of the building’s lower level to operate the recreational business from, and the council approved the proposed lease on Monday, June 3. Johnson has served as a river guide in West Virginia and initially approached the city a few months ago regarding the possibility of utilizing space at the Community Center. At the city’s request, Johnson and his wife, Jennifer, submitted a proposal that noted how waterways in Tecumseh provide “unique paddling choices,” which allow many different paddling trips to be offered and detailed some water recreation ideas. Those plans included a water trail from Satterthwaite Park downstream to Sutton Road, as well as an existing loop between Standish Dam and the River Raisin, called the River Raisin Run, which was cleared last year. The lease for the space will be $150 per month for each month the company occupies the business, which is expected to be through October, and is renewable after that. An earlier draft of a lease included the city selling its canoes and kayaks, however the final lease calls for a rental plan instead. Many believe that such a venture will attract new visitors and provide recreational opportunities for locals who enjoy the outdoors. The Johnsons stated in their proposal that they believed their business could be a positive addition to Tecumseh.