Outdoor Recreation for All - Skowhegan River Park

We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy time outdoors, because the more people who connect with nature the more we all benefit. When people have meaningful experiences outdoors, their quality of life, health, and social well-being improve and in turn their communities become stronger and more sustainable.

The Skowhegan River Park will provide the facilities and spaces for outdoor recreation—all accessible via downtown Skowhegan—and we are working to ensure that it will be accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status.

Access through design

Whitewater paddling and surfing have several barriers to entry, including skillset and cost. To ensure that all of our community members—from our kids to our older adults—have access to the river park, we are designing with accessibility in mind.

The river park will feature enhanced river access from both sides of the river, including an ADA ramp on the south bank
Entering the river gorge via a proposed set of stairs on the north bank will provide direct access to the natural channel on river left—which will not include enhanced whitewater features—giving novice users and families the option for a more leisurely float or paddle through the gorge.
The park won't just be for kayakers. It is being designed for use on many types of watercraft—kayaks, canoes, surf boards, bodyboards, standup paddle boards, tubes, and yes, even that $5 foam boogey board. It's important that cost is not a barrier to using the river park.
Like other whitewater parks, Skowhegan's will be designed to provide ideal whitewater wave features and predictable conditions. This creates a safe environment for users and a great location for beginners.

Access through programming and training

Nonprofit Main Street Skowhegan (MSS) has implemented Skowhegan Outdoors, an initiative that offers free, guided outdoor activities and trainings for community members, including nature walks, flat-water paddling, mountain biking, whitewater paddling, birdwatching, trail running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more.

Main Street Skowhegan is also building a gear library will enable residents to borrow equipment including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, mountain bikes, helmets, snowshoes, cross-country skis, camping gear, and more free of charge.

With the help of Skowhegan Outdoors programming and trainings and the gear library, residents will be prepared with gear and skills to use the river park and trails.