Initial Information Part 2

Flint Michigan White Water Park Project

This is our group's page related to the potential White Water Park for the Hamilton Dam replacement project in Flint Michigan. As related in an article in the Flint Journal on Sunday October 14th, 2007, the 87-year-old dam is in critical need of being fixed. One proposed solution is creating a man-made section of white water that would both help the resident fish (namely Walleye) population, and create an otherwise lacking recreational opportunity for canoers and kayakers. Similar white water parks are becoming more and more popular across the country, and are often half the price of replacing such a dam. If you support the ideal, would like to know more or would like to support the cause, this is the place to be. We are trying to add some files from other similar projects that we have researched for your information.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Whitewater Park? “Whitewater Parks” are venues that have been partially or wholly augmented to facilitate whitewater recreation. Whitewater parks have been constructed at a wide range of sites including natural, modified, and artificial stream channels.

Why do People Create Whitewater Parks?: There are many reasons for the creation of whitewater parks, including: 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 creek/river-side park, to improve the aesthetics of the site, to provide local economic stimulation, and/or to improve general river safety by removing a hazard. 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

What kind of permits are needed for a whitewater park? Modifying a river channel for a whitewater park requires securing of necessary permits and approval from numerous state and federal agencies. Each agency has their own regulatory mandate for protecting public resources, which include water quality, fish, wildlife, and habitat. Agency jurisdiction is dependent on land ownership and issues associated with the park development. Most states have an agency that oversees state streams and rivers. The agency name varies by state but typically is referred to as the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This state agency requires a stream alteration permit prior to any bank or channel modifications. Below is a list of agencies that may or may not have jurisdiction. Consult a map and respective agency staff to determine if approval is needed.

What agencies are involved in whitewater parks? The Service, Army, National, and the U.S. Forest Service. State agencies in charge of Water Quality, Fish and Game, State Lands, and Local Zoning may also be involved.

What are some Design Resources? * John Anderson’s McLaughlin Rincon and Gary Lacy’s REP are two respected names in the field.

What about safety, liability, and insurance? Although injuries at parks throughout the world are rare, the potential for injury related liability must be addressed. Liability will be shared by requiring insurance from on-site operators, event organizers and public users. Generally, special events require special insurance while the river parks are covered under umbrella policies. Basic risk management and common sense site planning that is documented and applied throughout the process can easily mitigate the risks associated with most parks. Following the AW safety code when applicable greatly simplifies this process. Simple measures such as posting warning signs, clearly marking boundaries where boating is and is not permitted, and design measures that facilitate self-recovery are a few of the methods that have been employed by existing facilities to improve user safety. Removal of any in-stream hazards is recommend when feasible and will improve the safety of all park users. Minor site adaptation can further mitigate the risks of any remaining hazards. The increased presence of paddlers will also improve the overall safety for other river users. The use of any facility employing such measures should then be considered low risk.

How do you fund the design and construction of your whitewater park concept? Most existing whitewater parks were funded through county or city departments. Funding is often incorporated into the city or county tax structure. A few funding options are concessionaire fees, donations, capital funds, bonds, short-term borrowing, government grants and private foundation grants. For more detailed information on these options, link to funding.



Why a Whitewater Park?
•Modify the hazardous dam
•Attract visitors to the park
•Create a venue for paddlers
•Increase the city’s water supply
•Enhance the fish habitat
•Create a family-friendly and easily accessible river park
•Improve the aesthetics of the site
•Provide local economic stimulation

Users of the Park
• Down River Kayakers and Canoeist
• Play Boaters
• Tubers
• Fishermen
• Spectators
• Swift Water Rescue Training

Economic Impacts
• Recreation
• Tourism
• Competitions
• New Jobs & Businesses
• Environmental Awareness
• Construction of the River
• Enhance Land & Property Value
• Business Retention