Skowhegan planning board approves Phase 1 of downtown Whitewater Park

The Town of Skowhegan Planning Board on Feb. 3 approved Phase 1 of the Skowhegan Whitewater Park, voting 7-0 to grant the major Site Plan, Shoreland Zoning, and Flood Hazard permits for construction of a whitewater rapid feature, associated access roads and an ADA-compliant put-in and takeout.

Kristina Cannon of Main Street Skowhegan told the board the River Park is part of past strategic plans to revitalize downtown and that the project will allow surfing and kayaking in the river gorge, improve river access and provide economic benefits. She said the lease between Main Street and the Town "is to protect the taxpayers" and that the lease term is 10 years.

The project team, represented by Dan Shea of McLaughlin Whitewater, described a sculpted-concrete drop structure located roughly 300–500 feet downstream of the pedestrian bridge, a river berm to hydraulically separate the drop from the main channel, and a wave-shaper assembly operated by hydraulic cylinders housed near a small control and pump building. Shea said the wave-shaper components are fabricated of marine-rated stainless steel and reported that comparable installations in Colorado, Oklahoma and Des Moines have withstood heavy debris and that they "have never had to replace a wave shaper panel." He said the hydraulic system uses food-grade vegetable oil and typically contains 10–20 gallons.

Board members focused questions on operations and safety. Andrew Thorpe asked whether annual maintenance costs would fall to the Town; Cannon said Main Street’s recreation program budget of $500,000 would cover maintenance and that staff would receive specific training. Jeff McCabe asked about signage; Cannon said Main Street is coordinating with its insurance provider to install clear safety signage at park entry points, including river rules, a notice that there is no lifeguard on duty, and recommendations for personal flotation devices and helmets. The project team described the facility as intended for daytime operation, with past projects enforcing dawn-to-dusk hours in coordination with local police.

Members also raised environmental and infrastructure questions. The project team said removal of the nearby West/Shawmut dam is not expected to materially change hydraulics because of local bedrock and river gradient, and that tailwater impacts would remain manageable. On sanitary sewer concerns, Shea said an upstream combined sewer outfall is typically handled by the water treatment plant and that sanitary discharge into the river would occur only during extreme storm events; board members discussed whether public notifications would be required for such events, and noted the facility would likely not be used during floods.

Aaron Crocker, Code Enforcement Officer, reported that staff review found the application met requirements but noted the requested application fee waiver must be approved by the Selectboard. Jeff McCabe moved to approve the three permits and requested waivers with the fee-waiver contingent on Selectboard approval; Erin Scally seconded and the motion passed 7-0.

The approvals clear the way for Main Street Skowhegan to proceed with Phase 1 construction, subject to any Selectboard action on the fee waiver and follow-up coordination on final construction details and maintenance responsibilities.