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The Durango Telegraph - Cover Story Page 1 of 4 <br />X At <br />Locals get in on whitewater park action <br />Durango boaters form Hydrauic Design Group <br />by Missy Votel <br />In the past several years, one man's name has become synonymous with whitewater <br />parks in Colorado: Gary Lacy. But that could soon change if a couple of enterprising <br />Durango men have a say. <br />Aaron Lombardo and Forrest Jones recently started Hydraulic Design Group, the <br />newest entrant in the rapidly expanding world of whitewater parks. And armed with <br />many years paddling experience between them, they intend to give Lacy a run for his <br />money. <br />"We saw the need for some alternative river parks," said Lombardo, adding that while <br />Lacy's designs are popular, he has heard from several pro paddlers who are looking <br />for more out of the whitewater park experience. "What we want to do is make world - <br />class features that are up to standards to facilitate world -class events." <br />As an example, he points to Durango's own <br />crown jewel, Smelter Rapid. The rapid, which <br />has been tinkered with several times over the <br />years, is slated for work this fall under the <br />direction of a community task force made up <br />of river users and stakeholders. <br />http://www.durangotelegraph.com/03-07-10/local 4/5/2004 <br />A kayaker plays below Smelter Rapid earlier this week. Two local men, Aaron Lombardo <br />and Forrest ]ones, started a business to design whitewater parks and river play features <br />in towns throughout the country. /Photo by Todd Newcomer. <br />