River users and Healthy Rivers Whitewater Park enthusiasts will gather in Basalt this week to discuss possible modifications to the play waves structures located in the Roaring Fork River just downstream from Fisherman’s Park in Basalt. Wave park engineers will be on hand to listen to feedback and suggestions from kayakers, rafters, stand up paddleboarders, fishermen, and others who frequent the man-made wave park.
“We want to get people interested in improving the wave features in the park in the room to talk about what’s possible there,” said Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Board Chair, Andre Wille. We’re interested in constructive criticism from people who run the river and play and fish at the park so that we can make the waves the best they can be for everyone,” Wille said.
Rafter negotiates man-made wave in Healthy Rivers Wave Park in Basalt.
The wave park, located in the Roaring Fork River just downstream from Fisherman’s Park in Basalt, was constructed by Pitkin County Healthy Rivers just over two years ago. Its primary purpose was to secure an important water right that helps to keep that section of river healthy during low water season in the fall and winter. During high water the in-channel man-made features create challenging play waves for boaters. For most of the rest of the year, the waves are more playful for stand up paddle boarders, inner tubers and they create popular fishing holes for anglers.
Engineers have revised the features once since the park was constructed in 2017. If necessary, additional modifications will be made this winter when the water is low enough for construction to occur.
The public feedback meeting is set for Wednesday, October 16th at 6 p.m. at Basalt Town Hall.
MEDIA CONTACT: Andre Wille - Healthy Rivers Board Chair - 970-309-3698