The Presque Isle Park Advisory Committee voted at their November 9, 2016 meeting to recommend a sole concessionaire for paddle sport tours and rentals at Presque Isle Park.  The Commission granted a lease to Superior Kayaking Company, LLC for the park from 2016 through 2021. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) voted on August 16, 2021 to manage paddle sport tour opportunities, along the entire City waterfront, through one sole concessionaire request for proposals (RFP). The Harbor Advisory Committee supported PRAB's recommendation for a sole concessionaire at their September 21, 2021 meeting with suggestions for safety requirements to be included in the RFP.  The City Commission approved a permit for Marquette Mountain Resort, LLC as the sole kayak concessionaire for Marquette for 2022 at their May 31, 2022 meeting.

Staff advertised an RFP on March 30, 2023 and received two proposals - Marquette Mountain Resort, LLC and Superior Kayaking Company, LLC.  While both proposals offer similar estimates for revenue for the City, staff determined Marquette Moutain Resort, LLC's proposal was better for the community for two reasons.  First, it offers the community several launch sites to choose from.  Second, all participants will convene on private property and be transported to the launch site resulting in minimal congestion for the general public.

Marquette Mountain Resort, LLC has requested a permit for non-exclusive use of launch and takeout sites for paddle sport tours.  The term of the permit is for three years ending in 2025 and allows for operation between May 15 through October 31 each year.  Marquette Mountain Resort, LLC will pay the City .5 percent of total kayak tour and rental revenue through monthly payments.

Allowable launch/take-out sites include Presque Isle Middle Beach by the Superior Watershed Partnership building, McCarty's Cove, and Founders Landing Pier Kayak launch.