Truckee River Whitewater Park at Wingfield
Reno, Nevada
Build It: It took $1.5 million, the removal of a dam and 7,000 tons of flattop rock and boulders to bring whitewater enthusiasts to Reno’s neon-laden downtown casino district in 2003. They Come For: Eleven drop pools, a slalom course and a series of class II/III rapids spread over two channels and a half-mile. Runnable even during dry spells and low water flows, the park may be the only sure bet in this city of high rollers. Come May 12–14, when the Reno River Festival draws the nation’s top pros. Contact: 800-FOR-RENO (367-7366); www.renoriverfestival.com.

Family Affair: Salida’s FIBArk festival draws all ages. Photo by Dunbar Hardy

Casper Whitewater Park at First Street
Casper, Wyoming
Build It: Proving oil and water can mix, BP/Amoco funded this $1.5 million park as part of a large-scale environmental cleanup project, which included cleaning up the river corridor and converting former oil refinery property into a community parks and trail system. Gary Lacy’s design utilizes a groundwater recovery well system to help prevent oil residue from seeping into the river. They Come For: A half-mile of river with four whitewater features. In its second season, the Platte River Parkway Whitewater Rodeo attracted more than 40 contestants and 500 attendees. Contact: 307-577-1206; www.platteriverparkway.org.


Salida Whitewater Park at F Street Bridge
Salida, Colorado
Build It: In the late 1980s, local boaters and whitewater park designer Gary Lacy transformed this once rundown section of river by adding a boat ramp (with help from a $1,000 donation from Coors), gates and strategically placed boulders. Later, the Arkansas River Trust added to the park with a riverside path and improved whitewater features. They Come For: Two play holes (one advanced, one novice), a slalom course and stunning views of the Collegiate Peaks. The park secured Salida as the home of FIBArk, the country’s oldest whitewater festival. Contact: www.fibark.net.

Last Updated: Apr 10th, 2006 - 14:47:21
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