Like others around the country, the Skowhegan River Park will revitalize the region and enhance the quality of life for all.

The vision for our river park includes: 

• Access to Skowhegan's Downtown River Gorge
  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. 
• Enhanced Whitewater Waves for Playboating & Surfing
  We'll be enhancing whitewater rapids/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.  Skowhegan's whitewater park will be a great venue for hosting major paddling competitions and festivals that will draw paddlers and surfers from all over the country to our little town. 
  Learn more. Check out the renderings.
• Natural Channel for River Tubing
  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. 
• Riverfront Promenade with Beautiful Views
  We plan to construct a two-mile pedestrian and bike path from downtown to Coburn Park and beyond to Cleaver Boat Landing on Route 2. The promenade will offer river overlooks and viewing areas as well as gathering and green space.  Learn more.
• 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. Learn more. 
• Equitable Access to the Outdoors 
  Community members and visitors alike will have free access to outdoor recreation facilities—including the whitewater park and all trails—and to guided outdoor activities and programs via Skowhegan Outdoors.  Learn more. 
• Economic Revitalization
  According to an economic impact study, we can expect nearly $6 million in revenue the first year the park is in use and up to $19 million in the 10th year; more than 40 new jobs in Somerset County and 54 statewide in the first year and up to 136 new jobs in the county and 171 statewide by year 10. Learn more. 
• Improved Community Health & Wellness
  The river park will offer meaningful experiences and recreation in the outdoors result in improved mental and physical health and social well-being. Learn more. 
• Environmental Restoration & Improved Fish Habitat
  An industrial river for many years, the Kennebec is in need of some TLC. We'll be removing old railroad bridge debris from the flood of 1987 and improving fish and micro-invertebrate habitat through the installation of whitewater features that will create resting pools, flow refuges, feeding grounds, and aerated water. Learn more.