The flagship element of the Skowhegan River Park (formerly known as Run of River) will be the whitewater park. Check out our new renderings.

Ample river flow in the gorge (2,500 cfs to 8,800 cfs average) will allow for three high-quality whitewater features in the 3,000-foot park—one under the walking bridge, one downriver at the second rapid, and one at the entrance to the Great Eddy. Each will have a drop of 1.5 to 2 feet and a calm water area for resting and self rescue in the event of a capsize. The features will generate consistent, quality waves at a variety of flow levels for kayakers, surfers, stand-up paddleboarders, bodyboarders, tubers, and others.

The middle feature, located at the second rapid, will feature the Northeast’s only WaveShaper—adjustable river surf wave technology that will enable us to create a kayak hole one day and a green surf wave the next. With a WaveShaper, we can accommodate diverse river users—including surfers, a growing group of whitewater enthusiasts—and lower the barrier to entry. Residents and visitors alike will be able to grab a boogie board, PFD, and helmet and learn how to surf the wave. 

With consistent flow year-round, Skowhegan’s river park will be a favorite paddling destination, and it will attract significant regional and national whitewater paddling competitions.

In addition to the three river features, whitewater park construction will include site restoration, terraced seating on the southern bank of the gorge, and improved river access via a foot trail and an ADA access ramp from the Debe Park River Walk to the whitewater park and a takeout trail at the Big Eddy. We will also construct a set of stairs on river left that will enable people to enter the river from our historic downtown and either paddle over to the whitewater park on river right, or avoid the park altogether and paddle or float the natural channel on river left.