Proposed Whitewater Course

Project Updates - (Click to View)  Updated 4-29-05

We are seeking permission to establish park-and-play areas in Shell Rock, Cedar Falls and Waterloo, Iowa. Our goal is to have one or more drop/pool combinations for premier whitewater features.

At this point in time (May '05), we're preparing a grant to develop a water trail on the Cedar River through Black Hawk County. Part of this trails proposal is the development of whitewater features in Cedar Falls and Waterloo.

McLaughlin Rincon Ltd. has spent the week here studying the sites and working on a preliminary proposal. From their early evaluations, Cedar Falls could have a feature rivaling or surpassing the main rodeo hole in Reno. Waterloo could have a series of three drops, each with 5 ft standing waves. All of this would be accompanied with the appropriate bank revitalization, put-ins and take-outs, signage, etc.

More information can be found in the following links:

Email your opinions to all of the following:

Cedar Falls Mayor, Jon Crews,
With carbon copies automatically sent to the Council Members,
Parks & Rec Division and Tourism Bureau.

Shell Rock Mayor, Larry Young
With carbon copies to:
Roger Rasmussen , Whitewater Project Coordinator, Shell Rock, IA
Barbara Dilly , former Shell Rock Council Woman & whitewater proponent.

Waterloo Mayor, Tim Hurley
with carbon copies to:
Paul Huting , Director, Waterloo Leisure Services
Cedar Valley Economic Development Corp

Email us with your words of support, questions or concerns at sweliver@mchsi.com

  Click to enlarge An anonymous Cedar Falls donor has agreed to help fund an engineer's design - part of which is pictured here. Quoting from the report, designer, Nick Turner states: "...The aquatic environment has been sterilized in this region. The proposed weir would provide habitat for fish and other aquatic species in a region of the river where it is currently lacking." Nick goes on say..."The greatest effect would be felt Economically and Environmentally. Economically the city could expect to see increased tourism...Perhaps most importantly, the construction of the Whitewater Park would be a contribution to the youth of Blackhawk County. The park would provide a healthy form of recreation and an alternative for the youth."

To see other examples of this type of design, see  Rock Vane Structures  by Professional Hydrologist D. L. Rosgen

Click to enlarge ...our conception of the drop in Shell Rock. It won't take much effort to modify the existing "ramp" and improve the hole to look like this.
(Click pic to Enlarge)

Click to enlarge Camp Comfort's broken out weir will be easy and cheap to modify. It's a 100 yard float from camp to the play hole. Move some rocks to smooth out the channel...add some grouting to stabilize things and make it user friendly and that's it. When the water's up the river left side is playable as well.
(Click pic to Enlarge)

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