Definition: "A whitewater park consists of one or more manmade structures in a stream, which create hydraulic
features used by whitewater enthusiasts. During the past twenty years, boating at whitewater parks has
become a popular recreational activity. Nationwide, at least thirty whitewater parks have been built, with
twelve in Colorado. Whitewater parks can contribute notably to local economies when recreational users
and associated tourists patronize local businesses. In addition, whitewater parks often are incorporated
into larger river restoration projects aimed at enhancing the aesthetic, recreational, and ecological value of
river corridors."
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Some other whitewater river parks:
Pueblo, CO
Proposal: Develop a multi-use whitewater park on the Connecticut River, below Holyoke Dam in Holyoke and South Hadley Falls, Massachusetts.
The Connecticut River once flowed over massive rocky waterfalls at South Hadley Falls. The opportunity exists to rebuild the whitewater below the dam into a recreation center for the area. Successful whitewater parks have enabled tourism and 'smart growth' in cities like Charlotte, NC; Boulder, Golden, and Pueblo, Colorado; South Bend, Indiana; and Sydney, Australia.
The area below the dam is currently an inaccessible and wild place, with wooded islands and braided channels. With careful development of parking, access trails, and whitewater elements, this natural resource can be preserved while creating accessible recreational opportunities for kayakers and canoeists, fishermen and birdwatchers, walkers, joggers, hikers and bikers. The high water volume of the Connecticut River could provide a world-class whitewater park for boating and tubing.
Beyond whitewater, the opportunity exists to enhance the fishery and fishing access. The area could be the center of a network of river-side nature trails and mountain-biking, and could open the door to the public enjoyment of the forgotten beauty of the river.
Topographic map:
