As if the Vail Valley wasn't enough of an outdoor playground. This summer, the Avon Whitewater Park, a project over a year and a half in the making, has opened to the public. The Avon Whitewater Park, situated along the Eagle River recreational path and beneath Bob the Bridge, was conceived with two goals in mind. First, the town officials sought to construct a presence on Eagle River that would provide active and passive water sports enthusiasts with recreational opportunities in Avon. Second, Avon hopes the new park will provide a financial boon to business during the typically slow mud season and beyond. Odds are in the town's favor in this regard. A study by the Outdoor Industry Foundation, have shown that participation in outdoor sports is on the rise, with the largest gains in kayaking. Whether or not this proves to be a payoff is yet to be seen, but I can tell you from what I've seen of the park, there is no doubt in my mind that this will become a favorite locale for local and visiting kayakers.The park was designed by Glenwood-based River Restoration and features three river runs for kayakers Baby Bob, Bob Jr. and Bob Sr., graded from beginner to advanced. Baby Bob provides kayakers who are still wet behind the ears with an opportunity to sharpen their skills. The intermediate freestyle kayaker can throw around some moves on Bob Jr., and Bob Sr. provides challenging entertainment for the most advanced of freestyle kayakers. The terrain is groomed along certain parts of the river and rock beds have been built up bank side to provide kayakers easy access to the water. Additionally, the park features new wetland plantings and a beautifully constructed spectator viewing terraces.For more info on these events, head to www.avon.org or www.avonrec.org.
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The Avon Recreation District recently cut the ribbon on a new White Water park on the Eagle River in Avon, CO. Kayakers and boaters took turns playing in the new park, testing out the waves and rapids.
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