 Outdoor News and Events Truckee River Whitewater Park at Wingfield
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. © Copyright 1999-2006 by Hooked on the Outdoors www.ruhooked.com |
