Wouldn’t it be nice to see a Whitewater Park where the Mill is today?
Why a Whitewater Park?
§ To create enthusiasm by attracting locals and visitors to the park
§ To create a venue for paddling competitions
§ To enhance the fish habitat in the river
§ To restore riparian vegetation along the banks of the river
§ To create a family-friendly and easily accessible riverside park
§ To provide local economic stimulation
The Iowa Whitewater Coalition has developed a video about river renewal through dam removal and whitewater feature construction.
The video can be viewed online at http://www.iowawhitewater.org/RORvideo.html.
Economic Stimulation:
Whitewater Parks have the ability to stimulate local economies. There are many success stories tied to existing parks. For example, Clear Creek Whitewater Park in Golden, CO was built for $165,000 and now grosses between 1.4 and 2.1 million dollars annually for the city.
If we built this it will provide a venue that will attract boaters from all over the area, perhaps even the whole country.
Thank you to Stacia R. for sending this guest blog in.
Great idea..............won't work. Dams, mercury, warm season too short. Wish it come to pass. Why not further up in the 13 mile woods? Coos County would benefit from that, lowering the tax burden on the individual towns. Incorporate fishing and wildlife tours. Wilderness camps to rent. Downhome cooking restaurants. It could be done...... just not at the mill site but somewhere in Coos County for sure...... same with Lancaster Fairgrounds......they could be used for a county wide celebration on the fourth of July.....if all the towns chipped in for fireworks.......imagine the show that would be?????? Charge $2 per person and put the revenue toward drawing businesses to this area. I have a child graduating in a few years.......I don't want her moving away. Would be great if she could find decent employment here after college.
Posted by: Jana | June 21, 2007 at 07:38 PM