The Skowhegan River Park is an investment in one of the community's greatest assets: the Kennebec River.

Across the country, communities are increasingly recognizing that quality-of-life infrastructure—including parks, trails, waterfronts, recreation amenities, and public gathering spaces—plays a critical role in economic development. These investments help attract residents, businesses, entrepreneurs, workers, and visitors while strengthening community identity and creating opportunities for long-term growth.

For Skowhegan, the River Park represents an opportunity to leverage a remarkable natural resource to support a stronger and more diversified economy.

The project will reconnect downtown to the river through improved access, the Riverfront Boardwalk, expanded trail connections, whitewater recreation features, environmental restoration, and community gathering spaces. Together, these investments will create new opportunities for recreation, tourism, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and private investment while enhancing the quality of life that attracts people to live and work in the region.

Economic Impact

In 2025, Main Street Skowhegan commissioned an updated economic impact analysis to better understand the long-term benefits of the Skowhegan River Park. The study found that the completed project is projected to generate:

• $16.6 million in annual regional economic impact
• 137 permanent jobs supported
• More than $10 million in annual visitor spending
• More than $6 million in annual wages and earnings

These impacts extend beyond the river itself. Visitors who come to paddle, surf, fish, attend events, explore trails, or enjoy the waterfront will also shop in local stores, dine in local restaurants, stay in local lodging establishments, and support businesses throughout the region.

Housing & Social Capital Impacts

The 2021 Skowhegan Housing Assessment & Whitewater Park Case Study, conducted by Levine Planning Strategies, examined both the current Skowhegan housing marketing and the housing market in Salida, Co., a rural town with a river park. Data shows the number of housing units has grown significantly since Salida's park opened in 2000.

Research indicates the following for Skowhegan:

• A downtown whitewater park is likely to increase social capital in downtown Skowhegan, resulting in direct and indirect benefits to the businesses and property owners in the area; 
• Demand and cost of housing in downtown Skowhegan is likely to increase after the river park opens; 
• Projections (based on current housing market and in anticipation of the river park) indicate there will be a shortage of approximately 650 studios, one-bed room and two-bedroom units in 2025;
• Thought should be given as to how to minimize dis placement of existing residents in the Skowhegan CDP.

“Creation of the river park and associated amenities downtown will likely have positive impacts not just on the economy of the region, but also on the social capital, livability, and attractiveness of downtown Skowhegan. The Town and Main Street Skowhegan should make sure the project maximizes its connections and benefits to downtown.” -Jeff Levine, Levine Planning Strategies

Strengthening Skowhegan

The River Park is uniquely positioned to benefit downtown because it directly connects recreation experiences with the commercial district.

Visitors will be able to walk from the riverfront to restaurants, retail shops, lodging establishments, and community events within minutes. Residents will enjoy improved access to both downtown amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities. This relationship between downtown and the river helps create activity, support existing businesses, and encourage future investment.

The Riverfront Boardwalk, trails, and public spaces are designed not only to improve access but also to create a more vibrant and welcoming environment that encourages people to spend time—and money—in the community.

Events, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation

The River Park will create new opportunities to host community events, paddling and slalom competitions, river surfing events, outdoor festivals, and educational programs. These events will attract participants and spectators from throughout the Northeast and beyond while generating economic activity for local businesses.

The project's canoe and kayak slalom course, scheduled for installation in 2026, represents an important step toward establishing Skowhegan as a destination for paddlesports training and competition. In the future, the slalom course and whitewater park will support a wide range of recreational and competitive events that bring new visitors to the region while providing opportunities for local youth and residents.

Investing in the Future

Economic development is about more than attracting visitors. It is about creating communities where people want to live, work, start businesses, raise families, and build their futures.

The Skowhegan River Park contributes to that goal by strengthening public spaces, improving quality of life, expanding recreation opportunities, supporting environmental stewardship, and creating new pathways for community engagement. Together with Main Street Skowhegan's broader revitalization efforts, the River Park helps position Skowhegan as a vibrant rural community where economic opportunity and quality of life go hand in hand.

The River Park is not simply an investment in recreation. It is an investment in the long-term prosperity, resilience, and vitality of Skowhegan and the region.