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 and free recreation opportunities, but it will also bolster the regional economy by attracting visitors, businesses, and new residents.

PROJECT STATUS: Environmental permit applications were submitted to state and federal regulatory agencies in summer 2022. We expect to receive permits in the spring of 2024. We are currently seeking contractor qualifications for preconstruction services; please find the RFQ here. Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2024. Fundraising continues

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.

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

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.

Project News & Updates

Skowhegan pushes to position itself as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts

Morning Sentinel, April 7, 2023 by Zara Norman SKOWHEGAN — Several projects are moving forward that town officials hope will position Skowhegan as a regional destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Those efforts include the much-touted downtown Skowhegan River Park along …