photo by Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph Creekside Sports staff members are pictured by their new kayak and canoe rental area at Chandler River Park Friday March 27, 2015. Pictured are: Marquis Craver, Dustin Williams, Jarett Stephenson and Minta Stephenson.

CHANDLER — When the city of Chandler wanted to partner with Texas Parks and Wildlife for the Texas Paddling Trails program, Creekside Sports stepped forward with a plan to offer kayak and canoe rentals, along with concessions, at River Park on the lazy Neches River.

For the city to make its portion of the Upper Neches Paddle Trail official, a local vendor has to agree to supply what’s needed.

“The trail’s there, regardless of the state’s designation or not,” Chandler City Administrator John Taylor said. “But the designation would really help get it publicized. It’s a great part of the river; what’s unique about it is that it’s so slow, you can paddle both ways — up-river and down. You can turn around and come back; the state calls it an ‘out-and-back’ trail.”

The project was a natural for Creekside Sports, which offers hunting and fishing supplies in Chandler. Creekside Sports signed a concession agreement with the city, and jumped right in.

Jarett Stephenson, co-owner of Creekside Sports, said his company has invested $15,000 to $18,000 so far in putting in a facility at River Park. It will be open on weekends.

“Basically this first season is a trial-and-error period,” he said. “We want to see what the public wants and how to operate in the best way possible. Because this is the first season, we’re always open to suggestions and ways to make it better.

The facility at the river is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Creekside Sports, at 501 W. Texas Highway 31, just down the road from River Park.

The store has been open for two and a half years. Kayak and canoe rentals will be available at the store itself during the week.

“If you rent at the river, there’s no deposit required,” Stephenson said. “You do have to have a photo ID, so we can make a copy of it. On Monday through Thursday, or even on the weekends, you can carry the kayak or canoe from the store in your own vehicle, but you’ll have to put a deposit on it of $125.”

Kayak rentals start at $13 per hour for single-seat kayaks, or $34 for four hours, or 70 for eight hours. On the double kayaks and canoes, it’s $20 per hour, $45 for four hours and $80 for eight hours.

Group rates are available, Stephenson said.

“And of course, they all come with lifejackets and paddles,” he said. “You’re required to sign a safety waiver, and anyone under 18 has to have a parent sign.”

Stephenson, who owns an electrical contracting business, said he visited other kayak and canoe rental places in East Texas to get a feel for what equipment he would need and what prices would be fair.

Creekside Sports also hosts numerous fishing tournaments. Details can be found on the store’s Facebook page.

For more information, contact Creekside Sports at 903-849-2634.