SKOWHEGAN — A recent report, authored jointly by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and Oregon State University’s Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy, assessed the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration’s travel, tourism and outdoor recreation grants funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

Skowhegan’s River Park Enhanced Whitewater Project was highlighted as a case study, recognizing the project’s innovative approach to transforming an industrial riverfront into a premier outdoor recreation destination.

“Skowhegan’s River Park and the work of Main Street Skowhegan and Skowhegan Outdoors show how outdoor recreation can drive economic development in Maine,” said Jeff McCabe, director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, according to a news release from Maine Street Skowhegan and the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation. “By combining innovative infrastructure with strategic partnerships and events, Skowhegan is creating a model for how rural communities can leverage their natural assets to build a vibrant, sustainable economy.”

The project received a $4.89 million TTOR grant to fund phase 1 of a three-phase development plan. This initial phase will create one of only two whitewater parks in the Northeast, featuring the region’s first adjustable wave for paddling and river surfing, along with river access and viewing areas on the south bank.

The adjustable Waveshaper, controlled by a metal plate at the river bottom, will allow fine-tuning of wave performance, water velocity and drop. The project involves extensive river engineering, including bedrock excavation and specialized in-river construction.

Phase 2 infrastructure improvements include the riverfront promenade, paved walkways, access to trails and shoreline seating.

For more information on the awards report, visit nga.org.

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