Jack's Boathouse Now Key Bridge Boathouse, Under New Contract

As Jack's Boathouse's owner faces a losing legal battle, the National Park Service officially welcomed Boston Outdoor Recreation, Inc. as the new concessioner to the "Key Bridge Boathouse."

Paul Simkin owns the Jack's Boathouse operation and has been in the midst of a legal dispute with NPS about who owns the land and whether Jack's Boathouse has a rightful lease to the property.

In January NPS issued an open concessions bid for a business to operate a boat rental facility at what the agency is now calling the Key Bridge Boathouse. NPS awarded that contract to Boston Outdoor Recreation in March.

“We look forward to working with Boston Outdoor Recreation as they continue on the tradition of providing a valuable service to visitors,” said Rock Creek Park Superintendent Tara Morrison said in a press release. “Visitors to the newly renamed Key Bridge Boathouse will find the same or similar services offered as before.”

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Though Jack's was able to apply, Simkin decided not to apply and instead pursued legal action against the park service and the District government.

Simkin recently received a legal blow to his case to keep the property when District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly's rejected part of his argument that took issue with the District government.

"For me, the next best solution is that the new folks coming have a philosophy like ours," Simkin told The Georgetowner in an interview. "If the boathouse space cannot be under our leadership, I cannot think of a better fit for Georgetown than B&G. They are good people and love the water, and we ask our supporters and customers to support them. B&G has assured me that it will hire all of Jack's former employees. And that makes me rest easier."

Boston Outdoor Recreation has agreed to hire much of Jack's staff, according to The Georgetowner.

“There is a strong tradition and history with this location and we will strive to keep it going,” said Michael Aghajanian, President of Boston Outdoor Recreation, Inc., in a press release. “Paul Simkin and his staff have been more than welcoming and cooperative during this transition.”

The new website for the boathouse is www.KeyBridgeBoathouse.com and the phone number remains the same: 202-337-9642.

Read more:

• Jack's Boathouse Hits Legal Wall
• Jack's Boathouse Fighting Potential Ouster by NPS
• Jack's Boathouse Pursuing Litigation Against NPS
• Jack's Boathouse Site Awarded to Massachusetts Company