The plans for the park began in 2003, said John Loftis, who coordinated the project with his brother, Kevin. A project was under way to remove lowhead dams at on the creek, when the proposal was made to turn the former dams into white-water features.
Since then, numerous public and private entities have worked together to make the project a reality.
Loftis said he began white-water kayaking in 1993. While he was living in Colorado, he would sometimes spend as many as 100 days a year on the water.
Previously, boaters may have had to travel as far as Maryland and Indiana to enjoy a similar experience, he said.
“Now that we’ve created a destination in Springfield, they’re coming out,” he said of local boaters.
Many of those who attended the dedication Sunday said kayaking involves a lot of practice. But locally, there’s a sort of family atmosphere, said Dennis Weatherspoon, who has been kayaking with his wife, Brenda, for about four years.
Scott Acord, who tried out the park with friends from Dayton and Wilmington Sunday, said the white-water features will draw boaters from all over the region.
“This is a gem,” Acord said of the park.
Loftis said there are plans to add additional white-water features in the future, and said there are plans to host a river and music festival near the park next year. Organizers are also planning to begin adding more activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including adding about three miles of mountain biking trails in the area this fall.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355 or msanctis@coxohio.com.
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