Research Trip to Columbus, Georgia Whitewater Park

Main Street Skowhegan Executive Director Kristina Cannon and Skowhegan Town Manager Christine Almand traveled to Columbus, Georgia in September 2019 to learn more about the downtown Chattahoochee River whitewater park designed by McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group—the architect Skowhegan has hired for our river park. During the trip, Kristina and Christine learned about construction best practices and creative ROI methods that would enable the Town to generate revenue from the whitewater park—while still allowing individuals to use the park for free. Check out their pics below to learn more! 

Research Trip to Bend, Oregon and Boise, Idaho Whitewater Parks

Main Street Skowhegan Executive Director Kristina Cannon and Skowhegan Town Manager Christine Almand took a trip to whitewater parks in Bend, Oregon and Boise, Idaho, in July 2019 to learn more about in-river surf waves and the increasing popularity of river surfing. They were enthralled to see the number of surfers waiting in line to surf the wave outnumber the number of kayakers using the feature. As a result, Skowhegan is now planning for a surf wave at the second feature.  Check out the pics from their trip below! 

Research Trip to Five Colorado Whitewater Parks

In June of 2017, Main Street Skowhegan Executive Director Kristina Cannon and Skowhegan Town Manager Christine Almand took a trip to Colorado to learn more about the economic and community impact of whitewater parks. They toured parks and met with local leaders and business owners in Golden, Buena Vista, Sheridan, and Denver, and they attended the FIBArk (“First in Boating the Arkansas”) whitewater festival in Salida. Check out the photos from their trip and envision how outdoor recreation will transform Skowhegan!