Members of Venture Outdoors had opportunities to row, canoe and climb onto the back of a 7-foot model catfish this week.

Those activities and others drew about 200 people to the North Park boathouse Sunday for the organization's most recent members' day. Worldview Travel was the main sponsor.

"The kayaking was wonderful," said Julie Tindall, of Squirrel Hill. "Water lilies were blooming, and we saw blue herons."

Her friend, Ellen Wright, of McCandless, agreed. A recreational bike rider, she also enjoys the trails that follow many of the region's rivers.

Both said they had come to members day not only to get some exercise, but to show support for efforts to maintain North Park and other outdoor amenities.

Their comments pleased Sean Brady, assistant executive director of Venture Outdoors. The idea behind periodic events like members day is to assemble a "critical mass" of people, he said.

"We want more people to become aware of the resources we have across Southwestern Pennsylvania for outside activities," he said. "Showing up for events is a first step that can bring about healthy changes in lifestyles."

Participation also can have a social benefit. People who use recreation areas, including public parks, creeks and bike paths, are more likely to care about their maintenance, Mr. Brady said.

That was one reason Venture Outdoors included a town hall meeting to discuss improvements to North Park Lake as part of Sunday's activities, officials said.

Lisa Nguyen, of McDonald, said she and her family found plenty to do.

"The kids loved fishing," she said. Her older son, Benjamin Borneman, 5, snagged two bluegills, members of the sunfish family.

Ms. Nguyen also took her brother, Phero, 11; younger son Andrew, 3; and daughter Kailyn, 10; for a ride in a rowboat. Steering while traveling backwards proved too much of a challenge, she admitted.

"Taking you out in boats -- that's what Daddy's for," she said.

Venture Outdoors has more than 2,000 members. Its next members' event will be Sept. 7, combining kayaking and a Pirates game.

More information on the organization is available at its Web site, www.ventureoutdoors.org.

-- By Len Barcousky