From the Sky-Hi Daily News (Georga Feek):
After five long years, the $1.7 million Colorado River enhancement project, known as Gore Canyon Whitewater Park, is now complete and open.
The Colorado Water Conservation Board needed to approve the implication of the recreational in-channel diversion (RICD), known commonly as a whitewater park. After the Grand County team showed 100 letters of support from kayakers and other recreationalists, the RICD was awarded.
The project’s fundraiser and coordinator, Caroline Bradford, explained the RICD and its promise for future generations and recreation.
“You have a manmade structure in the river that diverts the stream flow in order to provide whitewater for recreation,” Bradford said. “We want people to be able to play on the river for generations to come.”
To fund such a massive project, Grand County citizens and boaters donated more than $600,000 to the cause. Eagle County citizens donated $340,000; Colorado Basin Roundtable Basin Account Fund granted $100,000; Colorado Water Conservation Board granted $400,000; and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs provided $200,000.
To commemorate its completion, a Grand Opening Celebration of the Gore Canyon Whitewater Park will take place on July 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a rafting trip until 3 p.m.
The day’s activities will include a whitewater paddling exhibition hosted by American Whitewater, a formal ceremony, a catered picnic, and then the raft trip from Pumphouse to Radium.
The cost to raft is $62 per person, and you need to RSVP to Caroline Bradford by July 6 at carolinebradford@wildblue.net or by calling 970-688-0812.
More whitewater coverage here