Main Street Skowhegan is raising funds for the Skowhegan River Park via grants, private donors, and foundations. Since 2016, we've raised $8 million to cover the cost of environmental permitting, updated preliminary designs, final construction design, pre-construction services, and construction of both the whitewater park and boardwalk. An additional $5.6M earmark (CDS Grant) is currently advancing though the federal appropriations process, championed by Senator Angus King. 

• Construction of Boardwalk Phase 1, a fully funded $2.3M project, began in June 2026.
• Construction of Boardwalk Phase 2 will begin in summer 2027 and is also fully funded at $3.125M.
• Construction of Whitewater Park Phase 1 is pending additional funding; $2.8M has been raised/pledged to date (June 2026), with a $5.6M earmark advancing through federal appropriations. 

Main Street Skowhegan is actively fundraising for the whitewater park and all future phases of the Skowhegan River Park. 

For additional ways to give, or to make a donation, please click here.

Whitewater Park

Main Street Skowhegan has successfully secured $2.8 million for the first phase of whitewater park construction, with an additional $5.6 million advancing through the federal appropriations process, championed by Senator Angus King. Together, these investments represent significant momentum toward bringing Maine's first whitewater park to life.

Click here to make a donation.

South Shore River Access
Access path to water from Debe River Walk

Enhanced Whitewater
The Northeast's first adjustable wave for paddling and river surfing

Viewing Areas
Places to linger while watching action in the river

New Balance Foundation Boardwalk

Main Street Skowhegan has raised $5.4 million to cover the costs of construction phase 1 and 2  of the riverfront boardwalk in downtown Skowhegan. We are anticipating an additional $6 million will be needed to complete the 1,000-foot boardwalk from the Old Mill Pub to the municipal building. 

North Shore River Access
North bank stairs (from downtown)

Downtown Riverfront Promenade
Riverside boardwalk from the Old Mill Pub to the Municipal Building

Additional Viewing Areas
Places to linger while watching action in the river

Future fundraising phases will cover costs of other project elements, including: 

• Trail expansion—including single-track mountain bike trails—for an estimated 50+ miles of trails, with most accessible via downtown Skowhegan
• A second wave feature for whitewater playboating in the downtown river gorge
• An extended promenade that will stretch all the way to Kennebec Banks Rest Area on Route 2 (2 miles east of downtown)
• Maintenance and operations funding to ensure sustainability of river park infrastructure