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.~, .~ - 9'"' 1 thL,,~ - L... The course also provides a more effective learning environment for intermediate kayakers and more at.tr.a. ..ctive. '. ven. u. e for. .raft. .e. r...s... ..a.t. .h......i..ghe.r flow. ra. te... s.. T.he ad. d. itI....o.. n...a..l.. .flows a.l.l..o.. ..w...... dev.~ioping kayak~~s toirnpr~ve thel~n'skil1STnp~~erftll white\~~ter while remaIning in a famIliar environment. This can help prevent local boaters from testing their skills in unfamiliar and possibly dangerous stretches of river away from the Boating Park. These additional flows will also increase wave size, speed ofthewater and power of the hydraulics. The flows will therefore provide a more dynamic ride for cOlmnercial or private rafters and will serve as a tourist attraction for the region. Similar Projects _ Many of the conclusions reached in this report are based on past experiences at similar -projects; S-imilar modifications have been made at a number of boating parkSnincludrilg Vail, ._ Goldel1,_Boulder,Gunnison and Salida. These existing designs verify several key claiI1ls made < by this report. .. ~-_. - . - Primarily these courses verify the fact that these courses see increased use at increased flow rates. Vail, Golden and Salida host major freestyle events during peak run-offseason. These events often attract thousands of spectators and have a significant effect on the local community's economy. The courses also see vastly increased traffic at higher levels outside of competition dates. This traffic is attributed to boaters and onlookers that are interested in the more dynamic moves that are possible at higher flow rates. Furthermore the courses are used at low flow for lower, mid-level and local boating. These boaters often sharpen their skills at these lower flows. Rarely does this user group travel extended distances to use the course. Secondly, the existing courses verify the design functionality. In all of these courses the flow is diverted and controlled to create desirable recreational in-stream features. Equation 1, the Weir Equation, approximates the flow depths as expected at all designed flows. The size, power and definition of the features is also observed to increase at increased flow rates. Lastly, these courses verify the viability of a whitewater/boating park. Whitewater sport is one of the fastest growing sports in the country and events held at similar parks have significant effects on the local economy. The benefits of a whitewater/boating park include not only the increased flow of boaters to the area but an increased flow of tourists and spectators. The park provides a natural outdoor experience for the townspeople to enjoy in a picturesque riverside environment. Conclusions The opinions in this letter are based on my experience in designing whitewater boating parks and a long avocation as a whitewater paddler. Based on that background, I believe that the Yampa Steamboat Springs Boating Park is located in an ideal location and has been created with -14-