What is a whitewater park?
“Whitewater parks are recreation-oriented developments that offer whitewater river-based features. Whitewater parks can be on natural riverbeds or artificial channels and they are designed to provide ideal whitewater features. Such conditions can be quite rare to find in nature, particularly with easy access or short travel distances and predictable conditions. This predictability and design opportunity also tends to make them safer than natural whitewater features. Whitewater parks can offer one to several river features, including standing waves, hydraulics, chutes, drops, eddies, and obstacles for maneuvering.”
http://willamettefallswhitewaterpark.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Willamette-Falls-Final-Report-copy.pdf - Page 2
http://willamettefallswhitewaterpark.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Willamette-Falls-Final-Report-copy.pdf - Page 2
A modern whitewater park can benefit multiple usergroups including:
- Whitewater Kayakers
- Surfers
- Tubers
- Fishermen
- Swimmers
- Local Businesses
- Improve fish habitat.
- Give tubers a safe recreation area that does not require shuttling cars.
- Provide a unique whitewater recreation opportunity for kayakers, surfers, and rafters – there are no whitewater parks in Washington state.
“Whitewater parks are being built in towns across the country. While use of these parks is consistent and the towns are generally pleased with the aesthetic and health benefits of the park, few studies have reported the economic impact of the parks. One example is the recent Golden Whitewater Park Study, focused on the Clear Creek Whitewater Park in Golden Colorado, which reported positive results. The authors found that the annual value of the Whitewater Park (based on boater spending) is between $1.4 and $2.0 million per year. The authors also estimated significant future increases in that value.”
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Document/view/documentid/703
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Document/view/documentid/703
Whitewater Park Feasibility
A feasibility study would identify locations along the Wenatchee river where a play park could be constructed. These studies are performed by engineering consulting firms that specialize in whitewater park design. The study analyze focus on a number of areas such as:
- Suitable locations where the park could be built
- Economic impact
- Construction costs
- Environmental considerations
- Identify stakeholders to move the project forward