Campaign to Fund Carvins Cove Dock Successful

ROANOKE, VA (Nov. 27, 2018) – A low-profile dock opened at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve today thanks to a successful crowdfunding effort led by the Roanoke Outside Foundation. The campaign raised $23,000 to buy and install the dock at the Carvins Cove Boat Landing entrance, which is located at 9644 Reservoir Road, Roanoke. 

The 10-foot by 60-foot low-profile dock provides an open access point to the water for anyone to use. The addition of this dock will allow paddle sports enthusiasts to safely enjoy Carvins Cove year-round, alleviate congestion at the existing boat ramp, and provide the only access in the region to the sport of rowing.

“This dock shows that an idea can become reality with a little help,” said Pete Eshelman, director of outdoor branding for the Roanoke Regional Partnership and Roanoke Outside Foundation. “The support demonstrates that people believe in investing in new outdoor infrastructure.”

It only took one meeting with the Western Virginia Water Authority to get its support for the dock, according to Eshelman. Much of the money was raised through dozens of small donations from people throughout the community. The Western Virginia Water Authority, Roanoke Outside Foundation, and local governments, including Botetourt County, Roanoke County, and the City of Roanoke also supported the effort.

“The Authority supports recreational opportunities at Carvins Cove while still maintaining the safest, highest quality drinking water possible,” said Gary Robertson, the Authority’s Executive Director of Water Operations. “We are pleased to support this regional collaboration that will make boating access safer for kayakers and rowers.”

The idea for a low-profile dock came from Jim and Lauren Pickens who moved their company, Revolution Rowing, to Roanoke last year to take advantage of low business costs and the outdoor culture.

The avid rowers approached Roanoke Outside with the idea of a low-profile dock at Carvins Cove to make it easier for people to get into kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, and rowing shells.

“In all of the place that we have lived, we have never seen the community rally around an idea with such enthusiasm,” said Jim Pickens. “Roanoke has an energy for the outdoors that is contagious. We are honored and humbled to be a part of the momentum. We hope that all paddle sports enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the beauty of Carvins Cove via the low-profile dock.”

The Roanoke Outside Foundation works to improve access to the outdoors. The organization previously led successful crowdfunding for kayak launches along the Roanoke, James, and Jackson Rivers and Smith Mountain Lake.

The Pickens will hold an interest meeting for a rowing program at 3 p.m. on Dec. 2 at the CoLab on Grandin Road.