Whitewater Parks Boost Economies

Many of the whitewater parks that Recreation Engineering and Planning have designed have proven to be immense economic assets for the communities that they are located in. More and more cities are recognizing this important benefit of whitewater parks, especially in Michigan, where four separate REP projects are currently underway. This news article discusses this emerging trend and how it will benefit Michigan’s cities.

http://www.hourdetroit.com/Hour-Detroit/March-2011/Rapid-Development/

Whitewater Hits Iowa!

REP converted a low head dam into a brand new whitewater park for Charles City, Iowa! The whitewater park is the first of its kind in the state and its already enjoying enormous success, attracting paddlers from all over the midwest. Here are links to some media about the project and some photos from its grand opening, which took place this summer.

http://www.thonline.com/sports/other_sports/article_adf25d07-b1fd-5ce5-9bd1-b2723084a4cb.html

http://www.canoekayak.com/news/charles-city-whitewater-park-officially-open/

http://easterniowaoutdoors.com/2011/06/30/whitewater-course-improves-fishing/

http://globegazette.com/news/local/charles-city-river-rapids-quickly-popular/article_d7bb8dce-bb36-11e0-ac64-001cc4c03286.html

http://www.kwwl.com/story/15015043/charles-city-whitewater-course-opens-for-summer-fun

http://kaaltv.com/article/stories/s2008179.shtml?cat=10226

http://wcfcourier.com/news/local/charles-city-s-river-course-ready-to-open/article_8207cade-1878-5f4a-8571-65359bcf55d6.html

http://thegazette.com/2011/03/09/state%E2%80%99s-first-whitewater-park-moves-forward/

http://www.canoekayak.com/news/charles-city-celebrates-grand-opening-of-iowas-first-whitewater-park-july-29-30/

Photos from KWP in Cascade

Check out all these great photos from Kelly’s Whitewater Park in Cascade, where this years USA Freestyle Kayaking National Champs were held! This park boasts a huge variety of features, so there is something for everyone, from freestyle pros to novice paddlers, and even spectators.


Freestyle kayakers doing tricks during the competition

Surfing and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) have been getting incredibly popular at REP parks in the last few years

KWP is fun and popular for spectators