RAPID TRANSIT

CITY’S WHITEWATER PARK NEARS COMPLETION

— The whoops and hollers of excited paddlers will soon join the soothing sound of rushing water when Siloam Springs Whitewater Recreation Park opens on the Illinois River on the south edge of the city.

A set of natural drops on the river at the Fisher Ford bridge has been enhanced with rock to create mild rapids that sport standing waves, dips and eddies, features that whitewater kayakers and canoeists seek.

Work in the river is complete and contractors are now building walkways, paved parking and picnic areas at the park, situated on the north bank of the river.

Portable restrooms are planned.

A rock-climbing boulder will be a centerpiece of the park.

Siloam Springs Whitewater Recreation Park could open by the end of this month if weather remains good for construction, said Scott Hodge, the city’s parks and recreation manager. Work started in September.

The Walton Family Foundation purchased 40 acres on the river and paid for construction of the park, Hodge said. The foundation recently turned ownership of the land over to the city. Construction cost is $1.3 million, Hodge said, but the cost to the city is minimal. City workers will mow, collect trash and do other routine maintenance.

What’s more, there’s no cost for people to use the park. Admission is free and all are welcome. The whitewater park will be open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.

It’s designed primarily for whitewater paddling, but the rapids are easy enough to ride in inner tubes or whatever fl oats a river runner’s boat. People may swim or fish at the park, Hodge said. The only use restriction is that camping isn’t allowed.

HOW IT WORKS

The whitewater run is about 100 yards. Paddlers will start at a concrete launch point that’s been built near the Fisher Ford bridge, which is closed. There are three or four routes to run. Kayakers and canoe paddlers typically enjoyplaying in the waves and eddies and don’t charge lickety-split down the whole run. The whitewater section ends at a quiet pool where people can easily take out, then carry their boats back to the start on the concrete walk.

Hodge and David Vansandt, with the city parks advisory board, visited the park on Friday and were impressed with the progress.

They gazed at the Class II rapids, which are exciting to run, but not diff cult.

The amount of fl ow through the park depends on the Illinois River level. Even when the water is low, there should be enough fl ow to make the run, Hodge said. The park will be closed during fl oods.

Whitewater bufts are expectedto be the primary users of the park when the water is cold. Most wear wet suits or dry suits in chilly water. The park stands to be a major attraction for anyone who enjoys the water during warm times of the year.

“What I like most is, this is accessible to everybody. I can see just coming down here, sitting on the rocks and reading a book,” Hodge said. “Right here is one of the most beautiful places on the river.”

The walkway along the water will be suitable for wheelchairs.

He sees the park as being wildly popular with students from John Brown University in Siloam Springs and the University of Arkansas.

A Michigan company, TSP Environmental, is the general contractor. “They’re not changing the river, but enhancing the whitewater features that are already there. The environmental impact is nothing, ” Hodge said.

Delia Haak, executive director of the Illinois River Watershed Partnership, agrees. A planned rain garden in the park and addedshoreline vegetation is good for water quality, she said.

The park will bring more people to the river and raise awareness of the partnership’s efforts to protect it.

“People need to be aware of how unique, wonderful and enjoyable the Illinois River is. It’s a great family river,” Haak said.

Hodge said nearby property owners were contacted by the Walton Family Foundation and there was little or no opposition to the park.

BETTER ACCESS

Bill Underwood owns Arkansas 59 Canoeing & Rafting downstream from the park and plans to use the site to launch fl oat trips. Underwood was at the park on Friday as well. He said he’s all for the park, but wishes the launch area was more like a boat ramp where vehicles could be backed down to the river to make it easier to off -load boats.

The launch site is morelike a concrete patio with a set of two or three stone stairs built to the water.

Four picnic tables are planned. Underwood said he’d like to see more. Hodge said more can be added if use demands.

The park can be used as an access for river fl oat trips. There is an Arkansas Game & Fish Commission access 6 miles upriver. That’s a good distance for a day fl oat down to the whitewater park.

Vansandt said the park should be an economic boost for Siloam Springs. “People who come here and don’t bring their own food are going to go to the nearest town to eat,” he said. Eateries in town are minutes away.

The park is also another attraction that can be shown to people pondering a move to Siloam Springs, Vansandt said.

The city will likely host a fanfare ribbon-cutting event to announce the opening, Hodge said. Then, let the whooping and hollering begin.

Outdoor, Pages 6 on 01/02/2014

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