Fox22 ABC 7 | Joe Cortese
SKOWHEGAN — A 20-year project in Skowhegan received a financial boost from the federal government.
Formerly known as Run of River, the Skowhegan River Park is set to receive $2 million in federal funding.
Years ago, the town decided it wanted to give the public greater access to the Kennebec River and that’s where the idea for a white water park came into play.
Executive Director for Main Street Skowhegan Kristina Cannon said, “They did a feasibility study, and lo and behold we have enough drop and velocity in the water to sustain something like that.”
Cannon said in addition to the project being a community benefit, they expect it will bring in visitors and new residents that will help bolster the workforce.
The project will include water-recreation features like whitewater paddling, surfing, body boarding, standup paddleboarding, and tubing.
“The entire Skowhegan River Park is going to be free to use to anyone,” said Cannon. “We’re really just excited to provide outdoor recreation and a beautiful downtown for people to come and enjoy.”
Cannon said while visiting different parks around the states she was amazed by the impact it directly had on the community.
“The Town Manager, Christine Almand, and I have traveled out west and down south visiting some of these white water parks and it’s just amazing to see in addition to people out using their river,” said Cannon.
“The riverfront development that has happened and really the community and economic development that has come as a result.”
A stairway to the river from the downtown area will give the public access to the full park experience.
Additionally, 50 miles of trails are being planned in the greater Skowhegan area.
“I’m excited to see the riverfront developed into something more than just chain-linked fences and dumpsters,” said Cannon.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy the white water rapids controlled by an adjustable metal plate at the bottom of the river.
“It’ll use actual vegetable oil to move it, it’s a pretty cool thing and sustainable and environmentally friendly.”
Cannon said there will be a public engagement meeting in the coming months and more funds could be on the way.
See the full story here: https://www.foxbangor.com/news/item/skowhegan-river-project-gets-a-financial-boost/