Proposed Stonycreek Whitewater Park

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The proposed Stonycreek Whitewater Park is planned to become part of Greenhouse Park in Tire Hill, Somerset County (PA route 403 about 2 miles south of Johnstown, PA). Greenhouse Park has had several improvements in the last two years and is home to the annual Stonycreek Rendezvous – a weekend party/celebration of the local rivers by hundreds of whitewater enthusiasts from all over the country.

The proposed Stonycreek Whitewater Park is a crucial part of the revitalization of the area waterways. The lower end of the proposed Whitewater Park is also the beginning of the Pa Department of Conservation and Natural Resources designated Kiski-Conemaugh Water Trail.

Greenhouse Park will serve as a hub of constant activity for whitewater and flatwater enthusiasts from around the country. This activity will have a great economic impact in the region and certainly improve the quality of life/place.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The proposed whitewater course will consist of the construction of a series of diversion and drop structures within the stream banks of the Stonycreek River adjacent to the newly formed Greenhouse Park (See Illustration - 650K). These structures will create a whitewater course approximately 500 feet in length and will span the entire width of the river. Currently, there are no natural occurring rapids in this area. However, the Stonycreek River does drop approximately 4 feet over the length of the project. If all goes well, the course will be constructed by late summer 2003. Currently, The EADS Group and Gary Lacy (designer of several whitewater parks) are working with the PA Department of Environmental Protection on stream permitting issues.

The Stonycreek River is nationally known for its whitewater characteristics upstream of this project. However, this river is normally runable only in the spring, winter, fall, and periods of unusually high precipitation during the summer. This project is intended to be enjoyable for all levels of whitewater enthusiasts during periods of low flow (summer). By designing these structures for low flow boating, the waterway obstruction will be minimized. The proposed structures are designed for low flow boating by channeling the water toward a low point in the structure. During periods of high flow the obstruction will be submerged and the rapid will “wash out.” The structures will be constructed using 3’ to 8’ diameter boulders. The diameter of the selected boulders will depend on their particular location and purpose. These boulders will then be grouted together and anchored to the stream banks and stream bottom to ensure stability.

Stream bank protection is also proposed as part of this project. Currently on the Greenhouse Park side of the river, the banks are composed of garbage and poorly placed, unprotected fill. This bank will be terraced back on a 3:1 slope and protected by vegetation and boulders having a minimum diameter of 3 feet. This will not only provide bank protection but will also provide easy access to view and enjoy the river.

This project is taking great dedication and hard work to move forward. Many organizations have donated time and funding toward the proposed Stonycreek Whitewater Park project to better our community including: Conemaugh Township (Somerset County), Waste Management, The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, The PA Department of Environmental Protection, Somerset County Planning Commission, American Whitewater, Benscreek Canoe and Kayak Club, Stonycreek Outdoor Adventure and Recreation, Three Rivers Paddling Club, Stonycreek-Conemaugh River Improvement Project, and Conemaugh Valley Conservancy to name a few.

If you would like to help, please email us: spodratsky@aol.com