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Abstract <br />This report details the design process, public process, and physical characteristics of the <br />Durango Boating Park as relates to the RICD application. The report also details the <br />functionality at specific flows for this park. <br />Introduction <br />The City of Durango and the Smelter Rapid Boating Park have played a significant role in <br />the development of boating parks in this country. The Smelter Boating Park was the first of <br />its size and scale in the United States. In the twenty plus years since in- stream modifications <br />began in Durango the site has hosted numerous National and International events and has <br />established Durango's reputation as a whitewater destination. However, as the sport, and <br />both boat and boating park technology, have improved, this reputation has somewhat <br />waned. Paddlers —and their competitions —have sought out alternate boating parks, such as <br />Salida and Steamboat Springs, as their preferred destinations. Recent studies have shown <br />that the attraction that these other parks represent has had a significant impact on their local <br />economies. These studies show that a well designed Boating Park that acts to extend the <br />boatable season, attract major events, and provide a daily recreational amenity throughout <br />the boating season can bring in millions of dollars a year to the local economy. <br />A recent study done by this firm, Recreation Engineering and Planning, was completed in <br />order to select a site for, and complete preliminary design of, an enhanced boating park in <br />the Animas River near Durango, CO. Four sites were considered by the design team, the <br />city, and the Animas River Task Force, but the site ultimately selected is the existing boating <br />park at the Smelter Rapids. This report details the design process, expected users, proposed <br />design and proposed flow regime, as well as the functionality of the proposed course. <br />k <br />