Slate Belt Rising Unveils Completed ‘Painted Kayaks of Portland’ Project as Route 611 Expected to Reopen in November!

Slate Belt Rising, a Neighborhood Revitalization program of Community Action Lehigh Valley, is thrilled to announce the completion of the "Painted Kayaks of Portland" project, a public art installation now displayed throughout Portland Borough. As the community is preparing for the expected reopening of Route 611 in November, this project aims to attract visitors and restore local pride after the challenges posed by the road’s closure.  

The kayaks, generously donated to Slate Belt Rising by Edge of the Woods Outfitters, were painted by local artist Sarah Lanier, who also completed the 2023 Portland mural on the side of the Portland Auto Repair building. Over the summers of 2021 and 2022, Lanier transformed the kayaks into vivid depictions of Portland's natural beauty and historic charm, particularly along the Delaware River. While the kayaks had only been displayed a few times before, they are now a seasonal attraction available for residents and visitors to enjoy throughout much of the year, with the exception of the winter months.

The project was completed thanks to a Main Street grant from the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

There are seven kayaks in total, spread throughout the Borough. Their locations are mapped as part of another Slate Belt Rising initiative, the Slate Belt Heritage & Art Trail. You can view the locations of the kayaks and other notable sites in the Slate Belt region via the online map through SlateBeltRising.org.

"The closure of Route 611 has undoubtedly been difficult for Portland," said Brian Fenstermaker, Director of Slate Belt Rising. "However, we believe that projects like the Painted Kayaks will draw new visitors to the Borough and boost local morale as we look ahead to better days with the expected reopening of the road. It’s about creating opportunities and pride for the community."

The Borough of Portland has faced significant challenges due to the closure of Route 611, which has reduced the flow of visitors and impacted local businesses. With the expected reopening in November, Slate Belt Rising hopes the Painted Kayaks will inspire renewed interest in the Borough, drawing people to experience its scenic beauty and unique history.  

The project’s completion also aligns with Portland’s preparations for its 150th anniversary in 2026. "These kayaks perfectly capture Portland’s charm and the Delaware River’s beauty, making them a perfect addition as we look forward to celebrating the Borough’s founding," added Fenstermaker.

The "Painted Kayaks of Portland" project is part of Slate Belt Rising’s mission to enhance the region’s quality of life by fostering economic development, supporting local businesses, and celebrating the area’s heritage through public art and community-focused projects. 

Slate Belt Heritage & Art Trail:

If you want to lean more about our Artwalk project, including viewing the map highlighting of our heritage sites, visit SlateBeltRising.org/Map.

About Slate Belt Rising: 

Slate Belt Rising, a program of Community Action Lehigh Valley, is a neighborhood revitalization initiative designed to integrate and capitalize on the substantial assets of the individual Slate Belt communities. By leveraging the unique history, architecture, and culture of each municipality into a regional approach, SBR will use a Neighborhood Partnership Plan to foster comprehensive community and economic development. While SBR specifically targets the boroughs of Bangor, Wind Gap, Pen Argyl, and Portland, some initiatives promote development and the coordination of services for the entire region. 

To learn more about our work at Slate Belt Rising—including lead-free home initiatives, commercial lease subsidies for small businesses, façade improvement services, and more—visit slatebeltrising.org and follow us on Instagram at @SlateBeltRising or on Facebook. To learn more about how you can get involved, contact Brian Fenstermaker, Director of Slate Belt Rising, at bfenstermaker@caclv.org.