Town Hall to Discuss Clearfield Whitewater Park
Clearly Ahead Development has proposed replacing the Raftsman’s Memorial Dam in Clearfield near Buck’s Pizza with a whitewater park, creating recreational opportunities and bringing more tourists to the area. Unfortunately, Clearfield Borough Council is not on board with the idea. A town hall meeting for residents to express their opinions will be held Wednesday, April 9, at 6:00 p.m. at the Clearfield High School auditorium. The engineers for the project will be on hand to answer questions. (Photo courtesy of Clearly Ahead)
By Julie Rae Rickard
CLEARFIELD – A special town hall meeting will be held Wednesday, April 9 to discuss the proposed Clearfield Whitewater Recreation Park.
In November 2023, Clearly Ahead Development announced a feasibility study had been completed regarding the possibility of a whitewater recreation park on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in both Clearfield and Curwensville.
Although Curwensville residents are in favor of the idea for Irvin Park, the Clearfield Borough Council voted in December to not purse an agreement with the agency for the project.
Among the concerns voiced at various council meetings by the public were the cost to the borough for insurance, ongoing maintenance, problems with ice buildup, and the depth of the river. Others thought it should be located further down the river or the funds could be better used for a new fire truck.
The town hall which will be at 6:00 p.m. at the Clearfield High School auditorium, gives residents the opportunity to express their desires and concerns about the project which would replace the partially breached Raftsman’s Memorial Dam in Clearfield near Buck’s Pizza.
“The community’s feedback is critical at this stage of the design process,” said Rob Swales CEO of Clearly Ahead in a recent press release. “We encourage residents, as well as fishermen, paddlers, tubers, conservationists, and other river users to share their ideas on the whitewater recreation area, riverbanks and amenities.”
With its completion, the park would improve public safety, enhance fish and ecological habitats, provide navigability to a public area that is unsafe and prohibited and maintain consistent water levels, according to the release.
Engineers from both Calibre Engineering of Highlands Ranch, Colorado and Stahl Sheaffer Engineering in Clearfield will present project updates, answer any questions and gather feedback from the public during the town hall meeting.
“This is a community-driven project and a unique opportunity for residents to hear directly from world-renowned engineers specializing in surface water management,” Swales said. “We welcome all community members to ask questions and contribute ideas to help shape the design.”
A $615,000 grant from the statewide Local Share Account has already been obtained to pay for the engineering and design costs for both whitewater parks.
Removing the low-head dam and constructing the whitewater park reportedly could take two to three years. This includes an initial phase for planning and permitting of 12 to 18 months with actual construction and final site work to take an additional 12 to 18 months.
The original study was organized by Clearly Ahead Development and funded in part by Appalachian Region Commission and Visit Clearfield County.
“The study’s purpose was to determine the overall feasibility for the removal of multiple low head dams inherently owned and/or maintained by municipalities as a means to resolve hazardous deterioration and to preserve river elevations the community is currently accustomed to experience,” explained Swales.
Having a whitewater park would not only replace the old dams, it would attract visitors and boost tourism.
Criticism of the plan has come from those questioning the safety of these parks and if there are local groups trained and available for rescue scenarios.
Environmental issues are also a concern.
“Low-head dams disrupt the natural water flow, which affects fish migration, sediment transport, algae growth and the overall health of aquatic ecosystems,” it says in Clearly Ahead’s Frequently Asked Questions section of their website.
“By removing the dams, water flows more freely, helping restore natural habitats, improve water quality, and support wildlife. Fish passage improvements are designed to support fishing activities and biodiversity.”
Who will pay for it and will taxes be increased because of it?
“Funding for dam removal and whitewater park construction often comes from a combination of state and federal grants, local contributions, private donors and sometimes from specific economic development funds,” it says on the website.
“The goal is to have construction of the parks 100% funded by use of grant programs.”
As for taxes, “studies show that communities with access to recreational water features often experience increased property values, more business opportunities, and higher demand for nearby real estate and business services. This creates growth in tax revenue generation for a municipality without increasing tax rates,” according to Clearly Ahead.
For more information on the proposal, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section under News on www.clearlyahead.com.