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Rivers ofgreen %itewater parks seen as latest economic float By Joanne Kelley ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS BOULDER — Gary Lacy has been quietly making waves across the country, first transforming down- town riverfronts around his home state and then bring- ing his expertise in building whitewater parks to such unlikely spots as Oil City, Pa., and Dallas. The 49- year -old kayaking enthusiast from Boulder has been involved in about 63 projects, mainly working with local governments who now recognize that lively river scenes can be economic engines for their commu- nities. A hydraulic engineer by training, Lacy has a knack for arranging boulders in a way that creates a nirvana for kayakers, who often stay in one spot and play for hours in the foamy water instead of paddling down the river and out of town. Look around most resort towns and cities in Colo- rado for evidence of his work, which includes every- Flip to WATER on 6C �fiewli3 I�! ' E.: 1 In the river business Boulder -based Recreation Engineering and Planning has been involved in dozens of projects aimed at revitalizing rivers flowing through downtown areas throughout the state. Its work helps to do everything from restoring fish habitats and riverbanks to creating whitewater courses for avid kayakers. It has either finished or is working on projects in many Colorado communities, including: ■ Boulder, Boulder Creek whitewater course ■ Breckenridge, Blue River • Carbondale, Roaring Fork River • Denver, South Platte River • Estes Park, Fall River • Frisco, Ten Mile Creek • Golden, Clear Creek ■ Gunnison, Gunnison River is Lawson, Clear Creek • Lyons, St. Wain River • Pagosa Springs, San Juan River • Salida, Arkansas River • Silverthome, Blue River • Steamboat Springs, Yampa River ■ Vail, Gore Creek i "I ONI AXELROD /SPECIALTO THE NEWS Spectators gather to watch the action at Gore Creek Whitewater Park in Vail this month during the Teva Games. EVAN SEMON /ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS Gary Lacy of Boulder, one of the most sought -after whitewater park designers in the country, takes to Boulder Creek recently.