Spring Lake unveils new kayak rentals at Tanglefoot Park

What’s happening: The Village of Spring Lake’s Tanglefoot Park has a new activity to offer residents and visitors — self-service kayak rental kiosks. Last spring, the village was approached by the company Rent.Fun about the opportunity. The northern Ottawa County community is surrounded by water, including the Grand River and Spring Lake. Tanglefoot Park’s renovation includes a universally accessible kayak launch, which officials realized would be a great spot for kayak rentals.  

Seating area at Tanglefoot Park. (Village of Spring Lake)

Why they did it: “If you’re a kayaker like me, kayaks can be big, heavy, and hard to transport if you don’t have the right setup,” says Stefanie Herder, director of the Village of Spring Lake’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA). “This gives a no-hassle way to rent a kayak, and it is conveniently located next to an easy-to-use kayak launch for all.” 

How it works: The Village of Spring Lake’s DDA invested $18,000 for an eight-unit kayak rental kiosk from Rent.Fun. It costs $5 to unlock the kiosk via the app and $20 per hour to rent a kayak, complete with a paddle and floatation device. Initially, 80% of the revenue will go toward the investment of the unit. Once the unit is paid off, the village’s DDA will receive 20% of the revenue from the kiosk.  

A seating area in Spring Lake's Tanglefoot Park. (Village of Spring Lake)

Why it’s important: “Tanglefoot Park is located within the Village of Spring Lake’s DDA district as well as our Social District. We want folks to spend time at Tanglefoot Park and then make their way to one of our local businesses for dining, shopping, and more. This is just one more way to attract residents and visitors to the village,” explains Herder.  

Water features at Tanglefoot park. (Village of Spring Lake)

What to know: Tanglefoot Park offers other amenities, including a pavilion, bathrooms, splash pad, outdoor fireplace, transient and seasonal docks, a mural, and more. The $3.5 million project, completed in June 2022, was funded by private donations, grants, and the DDA. Tanglefoot Park was awarded the Best Placemaking Project Over $1 million by the Michigan Downtown Association in November of last year. The Rent.Fun kayak kiosks are now operational and are ready for kayakers of all skill levels.