Blending Fun, Learning, and Community

This year, Boating in DC launched an exciting new partnership with Agents of Discovery, an interactive educational app that inspires exploration through gamified learning. The initiative reflects the team’s ongoing commitment to connecting guests with Washington, D.C.’s natural beauty and historic landmarks.

“In D.C., we’re surrounded by so much history and so many monuments,” shared CJ Brenner, Area Manager. “At our Tidal Basin location, guests can literally pedal right past them.”

The ‘Cherry Blossom Conservation’ Mission at the Tidal Basin combined lessons on the area’s famous Cherry Blossom trees with nearby national monuments, creating a hands-on way for guests of all ages to learn while they explored. The DMV Explorer campaign further promoted the mission and app, which guests could access free of charge during their rental. “It was a great experience for us,” CJ added. “We were able to learn more about our community partners and the great work they’re doing with outdoor education in the area.”

A First-Place Finish

At the close of the campaign, Boating in DC earned first place across all participating sites. In a congratulatory note, a representative of Agents of Discovery’s Explorer Campaign wrote, “Because of your hard work, countless families and young explorers discovered new places, learned about nature and history, and had so much fun exploring the DMV region! You truly soared to the finish—amazing job, Team!”

Boating in DC was recognized for its creativity and guest engagement, particularly for integrating QR codes directly onto pedal boats to make participation easy and intuitive. “It’s a highly trafficked area, it’s a free activity, and the QR codes made it effortless for guests to get involved,” CJ explained.

Continuing the Momentum

Looking ahead, the team plans to expand its use of the Agents of Discovery app to highlight more of Boating in DC’s unique locations. “Through our partnership with Agents, we can change where the app gets used and turn missions on or off at different sites throughout the season,” CJ said. “It would be great to create more missions this winter so we can highlight each location and give more guests a chance to explore.”

With this success, Boating in DC continues to blend education, recreation, and community connection, proving that a day on the water can be both fun and inspiring.

An Urban Escape in the Heart of North Miami

“Oleta is an oasis in North Miami,” said Area Manager Matt Smith. “While you’re standing in the park, you’re surrounded by high-rise buildings. This park is an escape from the busy South Florida lifestyle. You can go from bumper-to-bumper traffic, turn a corner, and in minutes be paddling through mangroves and spotting wildlife. It’s a true gem.”

For Matt, Oleta River State Park offers a rare contrast from many other state and national parks by featuring an immersive natural retreat just minutes from downtown Miami. As a new Guest Services property, Oleta River Adventures presents countless opportunities to enhance the guest experience and connect visitors to the park’s unique blend of recreation and tranquility.

Experiences that Define Oleta

Guests can explore the park in a variety of ways, from kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals to bike and trail excursions that wind through shaded mangrove tunnels. The park also features moonlight guided paddles, sunset tours, chair and umbrella rentals, and a tranquil beach, along with numerous picnic pavilions for gatherings and relaxation.

Ol’eata Beach Bistro keeps visitors fueled, while the combination of beachside leisure and adventure-based recreation makes Oleta a favorite among both locals and travelers. “It’s one of those places where everyone finds their own rhythm,” Matt explained. “Some come for a workout challenge, others for the calm, but they all leave with a sense of connection to nature.”

Looking Ahead

Exciting plans are already underway for Oleta’s next chapter. A complete remodel of the Blue Marlin Fish House, now known as the new Oleta River Grill, is expected to open in early 2026. The park is also preparing for an Outdoor Visitor Center renovation and food court addition, guided snorkel trips, and the introduction of glamping tents to replace existing cabins, offering a more sustainable lodging option for overnight guests.

Additional ideas include tour boat rides, pontoon rentals, art festivals, and car shows, all designed to expand Oleta’s role as a vibrant community destination. “We’re just getting started,” Matt shared. “This park has so much potential to grow while staying true to its identity as Miami’s urban oasis.”

Leadership That Drives Growth

Matt also credited David Snyder, a recent addition to the Oleta team as General Manager, for helping elevate operations. “David has vast recreation and boating knowledge, is a licensed captain, and thinks outside the box,” he said. “He’s a hard worker and a great team leader, someone who truly has what it takes to take Oleta to the next level.”

With dedicated leadership, creative programming, and ongoing investment, Oleta River Adventures is poised to become one of South Florida’s most dynamic outdoor destinations and a place where adventure, community, and conservation meet just beyond the city skyline.