Rowing Course at Ford Lake - Facilities - Eastern Michigan University Athletics

Rowing Course at Ford Lake

Making Waves: EMU Rowing Course Unveiled at Ford Lake

Women's Rowing

The warm April air at Ford Lake Park carried the promise of a new era as Eastern Michigan University and its dedicated partners gathered for a momentous occasion. On Friday, April 26, 2024, the EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake was unveiled, marking the culmination of years of dedication, collaboration, and visionary leadership. This landmark event, funded through a groundbreaking partnership with Destination Ann Arbor, the Marriott Eagle Crest, and the Charter Township of Ypsilanti, heralds a new chapter for EMU athletics and the entire community.

A Long-Awaited Dream Realized
For Scott Wetherbee, the Vice President/Director of Athletics at EMU, the dedication ceremony was the culmination of a journey that began seven years ago. "Since the day I arrived in 2017, we've been talking about this rowing course," Wetherbee remarked with a sense of pride and relief. "I wasn't sure if this day would ever come, but here we are, standing at the finish line. This project has been a labor of love, driven by the unwavering commitment of our team, partners, and community."

Indeed, the road to the EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake was paved with persistence, collaboration, and shared vision. Coach Kemp Savage, alongside dedicated staff members like Andy Rowdon, played a pivotal role in shepherding the project to fruition. Their tireless efforts, coupled with the support of key stakeholders like Destination Ann Arbor and the Marriott Eagle Crest, turned a dream into reality.

A Visionary Partnership
The significance of the partnership between EMU and its collaborators cannot be overstated. Through their collective efforts, a state-of-the-art rowing course emerged, poised to elevate the university's athletic program and the surrounding community. Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo reflected on the transformative impact of the project, stating, "We are on the map, and we stand tall with our partners. Together, we have turned aspirations into achievements, laying the foundation for a vibrant future."

The submergible rowing course, nestled between Big Island Park and the Ford Lake Park Beach Area, is an innovative addition. It cost $487,000 to build and install at the bottom of the lake, emerging only during competitions.

Sarah Miller, President and CEO of Destination Ann Arbor, echoed Stumbo's sentiments, emphasizing the economic and cultural significance of the rowing course. "This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture and driving tourism," Miller remarked. "The EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake positions Ypsilanti as a hub for athletic excellence and showcases our community's spirit of innovation and collaboration."

Charting a Course for Excellence
The EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake represents more than just a venue; it's a symbol of excellence, opportunity, and community pride. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a semi-permanent buoyed 2,000-meter course and eight competition lanes, the facility is primed to host regional, national, and international rowing events. Coach Kemp Savage expressed his excitement about the possibilities, stating, "This is a game-changer for our program and the community at large. The rowing course provides our student-athletes with unparalleled training opportunities and positions Ypsilanti as a premier destination for rowing nationwide."

Primed to become the Midwest's premiere rowing venue, the course is capable of hosting regional, national, and international rowing events. Designed by Tim Royalty, renowned for his work on the Olympic rowing courses in 1984 and 1996, the semi-permanent buoyed 2,000-meter course features eight competition lanes, floating launch and recovery platforms, and removable aligner platforms and starting docks

Rich Cacioppo, Executive Director of US Rowing, emphasized the transformative potential of the venue, likening it to iconic regatta sites steeped in history and tradition. "Great venues have character," Cacioppo remarked. "They reflect the pride of place that inspires competitors and instills memories in all those who visit. The EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake has the makings of an iconic venue—one that will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come."

A Beacon of Opportunity
As the ribbon was cut and the inaugural ceremony drew to a close, the EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake stood as a beacon of opportunity and promise. For Eastern Michigan University, it represents a commitment to excellence and a dedication to nurturing champions — both on and off the water. For the community, it signifies economic growth, cultural enrichment, and a shared vision for a brighter future.

In the words of Wetherbee, "This is not just the end of a journey; it's the beginning of a new chapter. The EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together, united by a common purpose and fueled by passion and perseverance. Today, we chart a course for excellence, and tomorrow, we'll make waves that will resonate far beyond the shores of Ford Lake."

As the sun set over the tranquil waters of Ford Lake, a sense of excitement and possibility lingered in the air. The EMU Rowing Course at Ford Lake had taken its place on the stage of history, ready to make waves and inspire greatness for generations to come.