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<br />,.,r .-, 0 n. 1 <br />lHL: J u:. <br /> <br />and I was asked to comment on the viability of such a proj ect to locals several times. It was <br />clear from preliminary investigation that the selected reach of the river possessed adequate <br />gradient, adequate historical flows _and sufficient streambed dimensions to create a good boating <br />park. LocarTiiterest in the park grew until, in 2001, REP was hired to work on the preliminary <br />design and construction related services for the project. <br /> <br />There was strong interest in the communityfor a course that would be used by a wide <br />spectrum of users. The Boating Park was designed to create an attraction with features that were <br />attractive to all levels of users. These users would vary from beginner to expert paddlers and <br />other types of boating users who would visit the site for its freestyle boating characteristics. The <br />site was envisioned as a tourist attraction, national level competition venue, paddle sports <br />training facility and general recreational boating amenity for the local community. <br /> <br />The proposed site alSo had several inherent advantages in that the City owned the land <br />and there was available access and sufficient reach in the riverbed for an excellent boating <br />experience. This stretch was detelmined to be an ideal venue for a boating park due to its <br />physical nature and its location. Of note is that the selected reach has an average gradient of <br />.005, peak flows average approximately 3700 cfs, and the site is both expandable and located <br />near existing facilities. The park had the potential to be very dynamic and concentrate public use <br />in a publicly owned facility. <br /> <br />Uses of the Steamboat Springs Boating Park <br /> <br />Given this set of facts, the following conclusions were made about the Yampa River <br />course: <br /> <br />The Boating Park has been and will be very popular and has and will host numerous <br />events. This project will distinguish itself from other projects and be a major attraction due to the <br />quantity of water, water quality, and. easy access from many communities in the region. At <br />lowest flows, the Boating Park will mainlybeused by tubers, canoers, floaters and novice <br />kayakers and rafters to practice their skills on moving water. At higher flows, it will be capable <br />of being used for events, play boating, cartwheeling, whitewater rodeos, etc. The selected reach <br />is also ideal for the placement of robust control structures that will efficiently capture and control <br />the expected flows. <br /> <br />Use of the Boating Park will occur at many times throughout the boating season. Due to <br />the centralized location and large group of active local boaters this site already does, and is likely <br />to continue, hosting major whitewater freestyle events that will encourage visitors to the City. <br />When flows are adequate, use of the Boating Park for a variety of types of boating occurs, <br />including kayaking, canoeing, rafting, inflatable boating, and other such general recreation uses. <br /> <br />-4- <br />