11/4/08

City of Ann Arbor Seeks Proposal for Bringing Whitewater to the Huron

Recreation Engineering & Planning (REP) is an industry-leading designer and installer of whitewater parks. Projects in Reno, Nevada, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Vail, Colorado have yielded tremendous recreational and economic benefits for their local communities.


Spectators watch a kayaking competition at an REP-designed whitewater feature--Downtown Reno, Nevada

REP is currently working with the City of Flint to address the possibility of removing Hamilton Dam--an aging structure on the Flint River. The local paddling group, Flint River Paddlers, and the Flint River Watershed Coalition have successfully advocated for the city to give serious consideration to adding whitewater features to the river as it flows through downtown.

You can learn more about the project by visiting the website of the Flint River Paddlers.

The City of Ann Arbor is also working with REP to develop a proposal for adding whitewater features in the vicinity of Argo Dam. Once a proposal is received, the City should allow for public input on the project (possibly beginning in January 2009). For more information about public meetings regarding planning along the Huron, visit the City of Ann Arbor's website.

10/28/08

Whitewater Kayaking Presentation

Members of Ann Arbor's Parks Advisory Commission received a presentation about whitewater kayaking on Tuesday, October 21st. A brief slideshow incorporated information from local whitewater paddling organizations and clubs, including the Raw Strength & Courage Kayakers at the University of Michigan's Recreational Sports Program.

The purpose of the presentation was to share the history of whitewater kayaking in lower Michigan, highlight the existing whitewater resources of the region, and encourage city planners to explore new opportunities for whitewater on the Huron River.

The slideshow, now saved in PDF format and edited for web-viewing, is available by clicking on the link below:

9/30/08

Huron River Paddler Survey

Thank you to everyone who took the survey! We received the maximum of 100 responses. Ann Arbor's Parks Advisory Commission (PAC) received the results on Tuesday, October 21. Your input will be used to further the understanding of whitewater kayaking and, hopefully, in future planning along the Huron River.

9/1/08

Provide support for NEW whitewater in lower Michigan

The City of Ann Arbor's "Huron River Impoundment Management Plan" Committee is investigating management solutions for a stretch of the Huron River that includes Argo Dam. Alteration and/or removal of the dam could create a new whitewater resource for lower Michigan.

The City of Ann Arbor needs to hear from the paddling community about the benefits of having a whitewater park. Many of us drive hours to the man-made East Race in South Bend, or the natural rivers of Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Now we may have an opportunity to play and train close to home!

If you enjoy whitewater paddling and wish to see a new whitewater section on the Huron River, please write to the following individuals to show your support:

Matt Naud
City of Ann Arbor Environmental Coordinator
Molly Wade
City of Ann Arbor Water Quality Manager

Ed Petykiewicz
Editor, Ann Arbor News

See you on the river!

8/29/08

Whitewater Parks & Projects in Great Lakes States



Kent, Ohio: Page 1 Page 2 (PDF)

Response to Huron River Paddlers from Molly Wade, Water Quality Manager, City of Ann Arbor

Thanks very much for your comments and interest in the Huron. As you know, right now we have not created a survey for paddlers, although I really like the idea! I can tell you that we will be holding a series of public meetings in late September & October to present recommendations and get feedback. I encourage you to attend one or more of these meetings. We have not finalized dates, but will do so by 9/5 and will post them on the city's website. Each meeting will likely focus on a different stretch of the river; again, details will be on our website. In the interim, if you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me.

Thanks again,

Molly Wade
Water Quality Manager
City of Ann Arbor Systems PlanningUnit/Public Services Area
100 N. Fifth Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
734-996-3275

Removal of Ann Arbor's Argo Dam could bring white water rafting to Huron River

Click here to read a recent news story suggesting the creation of a whitewater play park in Ann Arbor:

July 28th article from the Ann Arbor News
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