CWA has welcomed the high school team to practice on the beautiful Octoraro Reservoir, offering Unionville’s student-athletes a safe and environmentally responsible new home on the water.
For years, the Unionville Rowing Club has charted its path to excellence on the waters of the Christina River in Wilmington, Delaware. However, the long commute across state lines is less than ideal for athletes who already face a demanding academic load at school.
The challenging waters of the Christina are also, at times, hard on equipment increasing maintenance costs.
Now, thanks to CWA’s support, the team is on the precipice of what its leaders are calling a “program-changing moment.”
“We are incredibly excited about this opportunity,” said Head Coach Chris Tolsdorf. “It is a program-changing moment for us—something that is deeply meaningful and will help us to continue to grow and excel. To have a place to row as gorgeous as the Octoraro Lake is a true gift to our kids.”
The Octoraro Reservoir, known to locals as Octoraro Lake, is located just 25 minutes from Unionville High School. The lake offers a closer, cleaner, and safer space for the students to train.
Many of the team’s families live in nearby Chadds Ford, Kennett Square, and West Chester—communities served by CWA.
For these families, the move to the reservoir is not only convenient, but also meaningful—deepening their connection to a beloved shared community resource.
A Partnership with Purpose
The collaboration between URC and CWA represents a thoughtful balance of recreation, stewardship, and education.
As part of the new partnership, student-athletes will participate in service projects around the reservoir, including shoreline cleanup days and volunteering at Public Water Independence Day, CWA’s signature community celebration.
“We are thrilled to welcome Unionville’s crew team to the Octoraro Reservoir,” said Noel Brandon, Chair of the Chester Water Authority Board. “This partnership highlights the power of community and environmental stewardship. The students’ commitment to protecting the reservoir through service is exactly the kind of responsible engagement we hope to encourage. It’s inspiring to see local youth connecting so meaningfully with their public water source.”
Building a Legacy of Excellence
Unionville Rowing Club, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit governed by a board of parent volunteers, has long emphasized personal growth as much as athletic achievement.
“Our primary goal is to create a team where each athlete can discover their true potential,” said Karin Braack-Cannon, President of the club’s Board. “Some students come from other sports while others are exploring their athletic side for the very first time. By the time they graduate, we want every athlete to have learned the value of hard work and understand the gifts and lessons that can be found in the pursuit of excellence.”
The team competes throughout the year in some of the most prestigious regattas on the East Coast, including the Head of the Schuylkill in Philadelphia, Head of the Occoquan in Virginia, and the iconic Head of the Charles in Boston.
The team includes both high school boys’ and girls’ squads and recently launched a program for middle school students to “get their feet wet.” Up to half of Unionville’s athletes go on to compete in college, with many earning scholarships.
Among its most notable alumni is Justin Best (Class of 2015), who captured gold at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris as part of the men’s coxless four.
“We are thankful to the Chester Water Authority and its Board for welcoming us to the Octoraro Reservoir,” said Braack-Cannon. “This partnership not only gives our athletes a beautiful and safe place to row, but also helps them gain a greater appreciation for the environment and the importance of environmental stewardship. We are deeply grateful and look forward to a bright future together.”
A Community Effort on the Water
To make the transition to Octoraro Reservoir fully sustainable, URC is raising $40,000 to replace its gas-powered coaching launches with electric motor engines—protecting both the environment and the beauty of the lake.
Local businesses and residents can help by sponsoring the effort, with opportunities to have their logos featured on team shirts, race banners, and digital platforms.
All donations are tax-deductible-- Sponsorships and Other donations.
For URC, the new chapter on the Octoraro Lake isn’t just about location—it’s about legacy. With a stunning new home, a growing youth program, and a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, the program is positioned for future success.
Chester Water Authority
To join the fight to save Chester Water Authority from privatization or monetization and keep this valuable resource for the community and ratepayers such as URC
Visit Save Chester Water Authority for more information.
[Posted: December 17, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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