Run of River Project
| 
Skowhegan's Kennebec River Gorge |
Run of River Committee
Run of River Meetings are generally held the first Thursday of every month at the Skowhegan Community Center on West Front St (Rte 2). Please email chairman Greg Dore if you are interested in attending.
Run of River, Inc.
225 Water St.
Skowhegan, ME 04976
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Congratulations...
to Monique Dionne of Skowhegan
for winning the Run of River Raffle and taking home a brand new NECKY ZOAR SPORT
THE VISION
The Run of River Project will enable public use of the Kennebec River Gorge and its environs for a diverse and complimentary variety of land and water based recreation activities. This project will serve the needs of local residents and seeks to provide a regionally important attraction that will draw recreationists and tourists to the greater Skowhegan area.
The Run of River Project encompasses the construction of a new whitewater park in the Skowhegan Gorge area of the Kennebec River. Along with enhancements and improvements to existing recreation sites, this project would serve existing recreation facility users, visitors to and residents of the downtown area, and visitors to and residents of the state of Maine. The Run of River project, in addition to potential increased recreation opportunities, would also complement the Town's broader community, tourism, and economic revitalization activities.
THE BENEFITS
Proposed Recreation Points of Interest & Benefits
I. Improve and enhance the existing DeBe Park & trails that abut to the Kennebec River on the South Side.
a. Clean up debris on trails & surrounding areas.
b. Create river view rest areas w/ benches, view finders along the river.
c. Create river access.
d. Improve existing parking across from entrance of park.
e. Restroom facilities to facilitate visitors.
Benefits include creating an enjoyable place for walkers & visitors to view the river, Change peoples perception of the river, Restore the affinity & affection to the Kennebec River, Inspire a new outlook of the river for all residents & river advocates, Economic Impact, Tourism, Physical exercise & health and educational resource.
II. Create Community Walking Trails
a. Marked Trails that will connect the community together. Linking trails along the river & to the towns commercial areas.
Benefits include physical fitness & awareness & economic impact.
III. Create new recreation & educational training programs
a. Fire Rescue Training
b. Paddling Clubs
c. Clinics for paddlers
d. Events
e. Youth & Adult Programs
f. Land based Activities; Picnicking, camping, hiking, mountain biking, walking trails
g. Creating access to the river for fishing
Benefits include; Physical Fitness and new & educational programs for all.
GOALS:
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A user friendly river
Diverse river features/structures for beginners to advanced
Features for the fish/bird habitat
Riverside landscapes with native flora, rock & natural materials to compliment the river, bike paths, river walkways, etc.
Re-creation of the river rapids
Park to be used by picnickers, bicyclists, walkers, recreational canoeists, kayakers and competitors.
Riverside viewing areas with view finders, benches, trails, picnic areas, restrooms/changing areas, view finders, camping area, portages.
Provide historical information/signage along the river on the trails, rest areas, etc. for spectator viewing.
Beatify the river, stabilize the banks & tie together the entire spectrum of outdoor recreation through shared usage of the site infrastructure while providing a scenic setting for paddlers and non-paddlers to enjoy the river.
RECREATION & EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
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Whitewater Safety Classes to the public
Training for search & rescue & emergency services
Used as local school's curriculum in environmental studies & history.
Youth programs to provide outdoor challenges & promote self-esteem for kids.
Walking, jogging & bicycling
Kayaking/canoeing
Fishing
Offer multi-programs/clubs
Provide recreational opportunities for both recreational and competitive level events.
Host state, local & national events.
Clinics
Search & Rescue training
All activities will benefit individual health
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:
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Improve fish habitat
Improve water quality
Place to enjoy nature's beauty
ECONOMIC IMPACTS:
- Economic development in the form of recreation, neighborhood improvement, tourism & competitions.
New Jobs & businesses
On & Off site revenues
Increase tourism
Construction of the river
Enhance land & property value
Business Retention
NEW FACILTIES:
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Quality Outdoor shops
Parking
Restroom/changing facilities
Hotels/Camping
Possible rock climbing area
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