Garden State Times

The Cooper River is set to host a busy regatta season leading up to the 86th annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta. This event, scheduled for May, marks the third time it will be held in Camden County since moving from Philadelphia.

"The regatta season has been in full swing starting last weekend and will stay busy before and after the highly anticipated return of the Dad Vail Regatta," said Commissioner Jeff Nash, who serves as a liaison to the Camden County Parks Department. "Last year was such a success and we cannot wait to welcome thousands of world-class athletes and more than 30,000 fans back to the Cooper River for the biggest collegiate regatta in the nation."

In 2023, the Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee decided unanimously to relocate from its traditional site at Schuylkill River National Racecourse to Cooper River. This year's event will take place on May 9 and May 10.

"It was such an outstanding event last year that in July, it was announced it would return to Cooper River Park for the 86th anniversary of the event," Nash said. "It is such an honor to host such a prestigious event and we hope to see an even better turnout for this year."

Cooper River's Olympic-distance, 2,000-meter straightaway is renowned as one of America's top rowing venues. The regattas are expected to generate approximately $20 million for Camden County's economy. Local businesses like restaurants, grocery stores, and hotels benefit significantly during this period.

A study by Rowan University's School of Business found that rowing activities contribute around $10 million in economic activity as athletes, staff, and parents seek local services during their stay.

Upcoming events include several regattas through September. The park features amenities like a playground with pavilions, a softball field, cross country course, golf academy, yacht club, bike trails, stadiums, picnic areas, bocce court among others.