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Abstract <br /> This report details whitewater park development options for the City of Grants Pass as <br /> identified by Recreation Engineering and Planning. Included in the report are development <br /> options for five locations. These locations include: the Texas Property, the Caveman Bridge <br /> Site, the All-Sports Site, the Shroeder Park Site, and the Savage Rapids Dam Site. This <br /> report details options for creating in- stream structures to improve recreational opportunities <br /> as well as possibilities for removing existing in -stream structures and rehabilitating the <br /> existing streambed. Riverbed and riverbank improvements will include the development of <br /> in -stream whitewater parks as well as the development of the riverbanks and surrounding <br /> areas to create water centered community parks. <br /> Introduction <br /> The City of Grants Pass possesses tremendous potential for the creation of several unique <br /> whitewater parks. These Whitewater Parks — the first of their kind on the West Coast — <br /> would enhance Grant's Pass's reputation as a tourist destination and would increase traffic in <br /> local business areas. These parks would not only serve to attract tourism from outside the <br /> City, but would also serve to enhance and promote healthy, active, outdoor lifestyles within <br /> the City. <br /> Whitewater sports are some of the fastest growing sports in America. The recent trend <br /> among some cities to create Whitewater Parks has brought this sport from its traditional <br /> remote location to a more urban environment at the heart of these communities. <br /> Whitewater Parks, surrounded by trails, swimming holes, and picnic and recreational areas <br /> have surpassed their original objective of attracting paddle sports enthusiasts and have <br /> become focal points for their communities. These parks attract visitors as well as locals alike <br /> and often play host to major events centered around slalom or freestyle kayaking <br /> competitions. Some towns, like the City of Golden, Colorado, have reported significant <br /> impact on the local economy due to tourist activity attracted by the Whitewater Park. <br /> 3 <br />