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Kenmore Community Rowing Club reports membership growth, fundraising and free Learn to Row day
Summary
Kenmore Community Rowing Club chair Casey Burt told the council the club has grown rapidly — youth participation rose from under five in 2022 to nearly 70 in 2025 — said 63 club members are Kenmore residents, and announced June 6 as a free National Learn to Row Day event; public commenters also raised concerns about boathouse finances and access.
Casey Burt, chair of the Kenmore Community Rowing Club, presented the club’s 2025 annual report to the Kenmore City Council, highlighting membership growth, program expansion and fundraising that, she said, supports inclusion and youth outreach.
Burt said youth participation had grown ‘‘exponentially’’ since 2022 and reported that nearly 70 youth rowers were active in 2025. She told the council, "63. That's the number of Kenmore residents that are a part of our club," and said that Kenmore is the largest city representation in the club.
Burt outlined program metrics: 71 adults and 31 youth completed the club’s learn‑to‑row program in 2025; the club hosted an internal regatta on Lake Washington; it raised ‘‘over $54,000’’ at a fall dinner and auction; and it had funded 100% of financial aid requests to reduce barriers to participation. She also noted a memorandum of understanding with North Shore School District crews to formalize equipment and boathouse sharing.
Jennifer Gordon, public works operations director, and the city manager also answered council questions about boathouse history and the club’s prior storage arrangements at Log Boom Park. Gordon described earlier temporary storage and explained current operations in response to council inquiries.
During public comment, Stacy Valenzuela (Kenmore) urged that the Kenmore Boathouse be open to all residents, questioned whether annual facility payments ‘‘go to the Kenmore row club, failing to go towards any of the expenses and upkeep,’’ and called for written agreements and enforcement where taxpayer funds were used. The clerk and staff acknowledged the comment but noted public comment is not a back-and-forth forum; staff addressed boathouse operations during the presentation Q&A.
Burt announced the club’s community outreach events, including National Learn to Row Day on June 6 where the public can try rowing and attend a free barbecue. She encouraged residents to visit kenmorerowing.org for schedules and more information.
The council thanked the new KCRC leadership and recognized the club’s volunteer structure and community engagement as the city and club coordinate events.
