NEWS INFORMATION FROM |
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THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED |
FOR IMMEDIATE USE |
SUSQUEHANNA OUTFITTERS OPENS ON CITY ISLAND; ECO-TOURISM ORIENTED COMPANY OFFERS RIVER EXCURSIONS & BICYCLE RENTALS, SUPPLIES & SUNDRIESVisitors to City Island have another option for entertainment and recreation, Mayor Stephen R. Reed said today in announcing the opening of the new Susquehanna Outfitters, a unique vendor of river tours, bicycle rentals and other outdoors services and sundries. The new eco-tourism company is located on the western side of the north parking lot on City Island, between the Market and Walnut Street Bridges. Reed said Susquehanna Outfitters is owned and operated by entrepreneurs Jill Miller and Steve Oliphant. Miller is a Licensed Practical Nurse and active member of the Canoe Club of Greater Harrisburg. Oliphant was a former staffer with the Dauphin County Department of Parks and Recreation , where he played an instrumental role in the development of Fort Hunter Park and the Wildwood Lake Olewine Nature Center, and the Susquehanna River Celebration. He was also an environmental educator with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, taking thousands of students on tours of the Susquehanna River and Bay. Assisted in its start-up with a $50,000 low-interest loan from the city Business Revolving Loan Program, the mayor said Susquehanna Outfitters is now open daily for bicycle rentals and cycling supplies and repairs, with discounted rates offered for groups of 10 or more. Bicycle rentals for touring the Capital Area Greenbelt and Riverfront Park are encouraged, and they additionally offer a range of healthy snack foods, ice, refreshments, good coffee, city souvenirs and sundries. The work of local artists and craftspersons is also on display and offered for sale. Visitors will enjoy the peaceful waterfront location of the site. Reed said the company expects to add canoe and kayak rentals during the 2007 summer season. In addition to the rentals, Susquehanna Outfitters will also be offering guided eco-tourism and heritage tours of the river and waterfront. Miller and Oliphant have more than 50 years of river touring and environmental education experience. “In addition to the rentals, Susquehanna Outfitters fills a strong need for environmental and heritage tourism along the waterfront,” said Mayor Reed. “Their extensive knowledge and experience on and about the Susquehanna and its islands are amongst the finest in the region, and, with a strong demand for a product not being offered anywhere nearby, we think they will be very successful.” Susquehanna Outfitters is currently open Mondays through Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and weekends from Noon to 8 p.m. Reservations for special groups or tours are welcomed, and they even offer free delivery for large bicycle rental groups. Susquehanna Outfitters can be reached at (717) 234. 7879, or by email at susquehannaoutfitters@yahoo.com, or visit them on the Internet at www.susquehannaoutfitters.com. |
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