Whitewater park proposed
Rockford, Illinois, needs paddlers' support
by Sigrid Pilgrim A plan for revitalizing downtown Rockford, Illinois, especially along the Rock River, includes construction of a whitewater rapids course just below the Fordham dam. As a longtime paddler and former kayak instructor, the idea of an easily accessible whitewater course for introductory and training courses was immediately apparent to me.
With man-made whitewater courses already in place in both Wausau, Wisconsin, and South
Bend, Indiana, another course halfway between the two would be welcomed by Midwestern paddlers especially by those in the northern suburbs of Chicago. Wausau, South Bend and Rockford could make for an interesting triple-crown of venues for competing paddlers of different skill levels.
A number of letters supporting a Rock River whitewater park were published in the Rockford Register Star newspaper. I have also received many e-mails and calls from paddlers asking what it would take to
make the park a reality.
When I was first made aware of the possible whitewater park last November, I grabbed the phone and called Steven Moore, former president of the River District Association. From him and local paddlers I've learned that the key issue for Rockford is getting a return on any investment made in such a project. In other words, if a whitewater park is built, will it be financially viable and what economic benefit will the city derive from such a course?
The
local newspaper asked these questions and learned that whitewater venues are primarily used for competitive events, with only a small number of international events. The Wausau Whitewater Park was presented as an example.
Wausau is a wonderful place to paddle, but it is not a course for beginners or for the general public to ride rafts on, as is the East Race Waterway in South Bend.
The paddling possibilities are greater in Rockford, however. Consider the fact that more water
flows down the Rock River in the summer than in the Wisconsin or St. Joseph rivers. This, coupled with the fact that Rockford's dam generates no power, suggests that a course here might be available year-round. With the right design, the new paddling venue could conceivably service not only whitewater paddlers, but also paddling clubs and family canoe outings.
Given the generally flat terrain in Illinois and its low gradient rivers, anyone interested in whitewater paddling doesn't have
many local options. Illinois whitewater enthusiasts must travel significant distances to paddle, and at $2.50 per gallon of gas, this is becoming a major budgetary concern.
For a Chicago-area paddler, Wausau is a fair distance away. If he or she needs to drive that far, then a paddle on a river like the Wolf River becomes more attractive. At least there you don't have to rely on a controlled release of water.
I believe that a whitewater course in Rockford would permit more
paddlers to be trained in whitewater skills. Such a course would also offer local residents a chance to experience the joy and challenge of whitewater rapids in a constant and consistent manner.
In order to make this vision and dream a reality, the city of Rockford needs to hear from Midwestern paddlers. Letters should state that if the venue is built, paddlers would come for recreation, education, instruction and competition, and they would also patronize local businesses (think
restaurants, gas stations and hotels), which would result in greater tax revenue for the city. There would also be opportunities for outdoor education for local schools.
Where to send letters
Anyone interested in supporting a possible whitewater venue in Rockford should send letters of support to Rockford City Hall, 425 East State St., Rockford, IL 61104, in care of Mayor Larry Morrissey, City Administrator Jim Ryan and Alderman Doug Mark.
Also let new River District
Association President Rebecca Kopf know what you think by writing to her at the River District Association, P.O. Box 4331, Rockford, IL 61110. Letters to the editor can be sent to the Rockford Register Star, 99 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61104.
You might want to bring up Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley's interest in bidding to host the 2016 Olympic Games. Just imagine being able to drive to Rockford to watch the Olympic whitewater paddling events.
Sigrid Pilgrim is president of
the Illinois Paddling Council. She would appreciate receiving copies of any letters of support readers write. Send them to her at 2750 Bernard Place, Evanston, IL 60201. For more information, see www.chicagowhitewater.org/cwa/rockford.asp.
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