South Lebanon council approves lease for Loveland Canoe and Kayak to operate riverside outfitter

The South Lebanon City Council voted unanimously to authorize a lease agreement with Loveland Canoe and Kayak Incorporated, clearing the way for the outfitter to operate a seasonal launch and equipment storage near Rogers Park.

Robin Bersoni, co-owner of Loveland Canoe and Kayak Incorporated, told the council she and her husband, Mark Bersoni, plan to open a Memorial Day–to–Labor Day operation offering guided and rental trips on the Little Miami River and to use existing park restrooms if permitted. "I am Robin Bersoni at 621 Lower River Road in Loveland," she said while outlining their experience and stewardship plans.

The Bersonis said the business will seek to attract several thousand customers in its first full season, create about 10–12 seasonal jobs and run trips roughly every 30 minutes on busy weekends. Mark Bersoni described boat models meant to be easier to enter and more comfortable for customers with knee or back issues, and said the outfitters will remove any temporary storage at season’s end. He also emphasized river stewardship, saying the couple has organized cleanups and that Robin sits on the board of the Little Miami Conservancy.

Council members moved and approved two procedural steps: waiving the council’s two-reading rule and adopting the emergency resolution authorizing the mayor and finance director to execute the lease. The waiver motion was made by Council Member Lisa Feder and seconded by Council Member Brenda Combs; both the waiver and the adoption passed by voice/roll-call vote.

The lease language authorizes the mayor and director of finance to execute an agreement allowing Loveland Canoe and Kayak Incorporated to operate from the city’s boat ramp area, subject to the terms of the lease and any applicable conservation easement restrictions. During the presentation the Bersonis requested limited seasonal storage (a cargo container) for boats and life jackets, noting the container would be removed after the season and that they would fund repairs to an existing fenced area if needed.

Council members welcomed the business as an economic and recreational addition to the riverfront. The mayor and staff noted the arrangement includes expectations for park upkeep and coordination with the city on restroom access and signage.

The lease was adopted by the council as Emergency Resolution 2025-7; the motion carried unanimously.