The Skowhegan River Park (also known as Run of River) will redevelop an industrial downtown river corridor into an accessible outdoor recreation asset with an expanded trail network and enhanced whitewater. The river park will not only benefit community members through improved river access, free recreation opportunities, and new civic infrastructure, but it will also bolster the regional economy by attracting visitors, businesses, and new residents.

PROJECT STATUS

Whitewater Kayak & Surf Park: Environmental permit applications were submitted to state and federal regulatory agencies in summer 2022. The permitting process continues, and we expect to receive permits in the fall of 2024. The project team is currently working through construction means and methods with Sargent Corporation and McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group is finalizing construction design. Phase 1 construction—which includes river access on the south bank and the Waveshaper—is expected to begin in 2025. $6.1 million has been reserved for Phase 1 construction.

Riverfront Development: After significant community engagement, final design and engineering are underway for the riverfront promenade/boardwalk, river access from the north bank, and increased green space along the river that will connect the Kennebec to Skowhegan’s commercial district. Environmental permitting will begin this fall, with construction to begin in 2025. A $2 million federal grant, awarded to project partner Main Street Skowhegan, is funding design and engineering and the first phase of construction. 

Trail Network: Main Street Skowhegan commissioned the Skowhegan Trail Master Plan in 2023, identifying trail maintenance and new construction opportunities that will result in more than 60 miles of multi-use trails in Skowhegan. Somerset Woods Trustees and the Move More Kids Program are currently working on the first trail project from the new plan. 

Fundraising continues for all projects.

What is a River Park?

A river park is an infrastructure investment that provides easy access to the water, enhanced whitewater waves for recreating, and welcoming green space for community members and visitors to enjoy.

This pic, courtesy of McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group, showcases the river before and after River Run Park was constructed in Sheridan, Colorado.

Skowhegan River Park Elements

Skowhegan’s river park will enhance river access and recreation in our downtown river gorge.

Easy River Access

Current river access is sketchy at best. A set of stairs from downtown (on the north river bank) and an ADA ramp leading to the water's edge (on the south bank) from Debe River Walk, will make the river accessible by all.

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Enhanced Whitewater

We'll enhance whitewater waves that are currently present in the gorge to make them useable for whitewater kayaking, surfing, river boarding, SUPing, and tubing. Once construction is complete, Skowhegan will boast the only adjustable wave in the Northeast, making our river an ideal place for river surfing.

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Riverfront Promenade

A two-mile pedestrian and bike path from the Old Mill Pub to Coburn Park and beyond to Cleaver Boat Landing on Route 2 will offer river overlooks and viewing areas as well as gathering and green space.

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Natural Tubing Channel

For families looking for something a bit more relaxing, they can access the natural river channel—enhanced whitewater will be on river right/the south half of the river only—via new stairs from downtown and float to the Big Eddy or beyond to Cleaver Boat Landing.

Major Trail Network

Because we know not everyone will want to recreate in the river, we're planning for fifty miles of four-season trails on 300 acres in the heart of town to accommodate walking, running, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more.

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National Events Venue

Our river park will be a great venue for hosting major paddling competitions and whitewater festivals that will draw paddlers and surfers from all over the country to our little town.

Why a River Park?

River parks are proven tools for community development, as evidenced by dozens of river parks around the country. River revitalization projects in downtowns and urban corridors have positively impacted communities by improving river health, connecting people to nature through outdoor recreation, and creating economic prosperity by attracting tourists, businesses, and new residents.

River parks help build and support sustainable and prosperous local economies by attracting tourists and river recreationalists; improving the livability and access to water activities for local citizens, retaining residents and businesses; creating signature whitewater waves that promote communities as destinations and attract new residents and entrepreneurs to live, work, and play.

Skowhegan plans to tap into this potential by developing a river park in our downtown Kennebec gorge—a community asset that has been overlooked for years and is largely inaccessible due to steep, rocky banks. Residents not only support the river park plan—proven by the project’s popularity during a community-wide strategic planning process—but they are also excited to see it transform central Maine into a place where residents are proud to live and visitors never want to leave.

We live in a beautiful, rural region that brims with potential but struggles with poverty and poor-health rates. Development of Maine’s first river park will help turn this crisis around and ensure that we will achieve our brightest future.

Community Benefits of the River Park

The Skowhegan River Park, also known as Run of River, will transform the region. With increased access to the outdoors, residents’ health and wellness outcomes will improve, crime rates will go down, educational attainment will go up, and there will be renewed community pride. Enhanced whitewater will attract paddlers, surfers, and other visitors who will shop, eat, and stay locally. Access to a downtown river park and trail network will bring new residents who will strengthen the workforce, and entrepreneurs who will start businesses in Skowhegan. Community members will benefit from new jobs, increased property values, and a diversified tax base. New economic opportunities will bring prosperity and reduce poverty among our most disadvantaged families.

The Skowhegan River Park is our future.

Photo courtesy of MXH Marketing

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River Programs & Gear

Skowhegan Outdoors, an initiative of nonprofit partner Main Street Skowhegan, offers free river activities and whitewater trainings for community members.

The Skowhegan Outdoors Gear Library provides river gear for use during programming and for community members to borrow for free.

Programs & Gear

Park Renderings

Project News & Updates

Women to Watch: Kristina Cannon is at the forefront of Skowhegan’s revitalization

August 5, 2024

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Read the article here. In recent years, Skowhegan has seen a huge transformation. Kristina Cannon is leading the town through revitalization. With more than $650 million in investment underway, the momentum in Skowhegan is palpable, but Cannon says …

Continue reading “Women to Watch: Kristina Cannon is at the forefront of Skowhegan’s revitalization”

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