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This is the third conference for professionals creating whitewater river parks. Participants will learn how over 100 projects similar to theirs around the world are improving rivers, offering new outdoor recreation opportunities and growing local economies when they convene in Salida, CO USA May 24-27, 2010.
“We are thrilled to once again reach out to community leaders in nearly 20 countries who are incorporating stakeholder knowledge and enthusiasm into processes that foster healthy rivers,” notes Ed Councill, PIA CEO. “Projects range in size from a single river surfing wave with bank side access to large capacity stadiums that pump water through a self-contained system, and they are all showcasing paddling to the general public.”
“Sharing whitewater course experiences will enlighten participants and should dismantle misconceptions about the whitewater park concept, sometimes discounted as expensive projects built for a few kayakers,” notes Risa Shimoda, of The Shimoda Group, LLC. “Paddlers catalyze whitewater park projects because they see opportunities before others might. However, cities realize their value from their use by bikers, walkers and runners; river-based events, new retail establishments and value enhanced real estate.”
Mike Harvey, designer of Salida’s whitewater course notes, “While I am admittedly biased, the recently renovated Steamplant Conference Center is an excellent venue to host this conference, located on the river along the banks of the whitewater park. We’re really looking forward to hosting communities and agencies from around the world." Mike’s firm Recreational Engineering and Planning is a conference sponsor, as is the McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group.
PIA promotes paddling on behalf of its members whose businesses include canoe, kayak and raft rentals, retailers, liveries, outfitters, manufacturers, and distributors. The Shimoda Group, LLC is a river recreation and conservation consultancy that helps private and public sector companies and organizations grow healthy activity on healthy rivers.
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