MORGANTOWN — Sometimes you have to embrace the “what if.”
Or, as Main Street Morgantown President Mark Downs says, “imagine what’s in the realm of the possible.”
Downs explained it was during a walk along the city’s rail trails that a group representing various local stakeholders did just that, and that led to a question — What if a whitewater park could be developed in Deckers Creek?
They intend to find out.
Friends of Deckers Creek is currently raising funds in support of a feasibility study to determine if such a project has potential.
“The feasibility study will look at actual locations. They’ll be looking at finding the sweet spot in terms of stream gradient, stream access and everything. That will all be part of it,” FODC Executive Director Brian Hurley said.
Whitewater parks are fairly common in the western United States. The parks closest to Morgantown represent the two basic types.
Adventure Sports Center International in McHenry, Md. is an entirely self-contained, manmade simulated river section.
Stoneycreek Whitewater Park, in Johnstown, Pa., is a 300-yard water park within the banks of the Stoneycreek River and is more akin to what a park in Deckers Creek might look like.
“It could enhance the natural features, or it could install whitewater features into the stream. Of course, that would open up a whole host of environmental permitting. We’re still very much exploring things here,” Hurley said.
According to Hurley, FODC estimates it will need about $17,000 to hire a firm to conduct the study. A request has gone out to the Monongalia County Commission to match $5,000 in state funds secured by Delegate Evan Hansen.
Hansen said his support for the project stems from years of advocacy for Deckers Creek and a desire to help support economic development in the Morgantown area.
“I’ve been working for decades to help clean up Deckers Creek so it could be used more as a recreational resource and economic development tool,” Hansen said. “It’s exciting what’s happening now. The Richard Mine treatment plant is going to be completed soon and that means the creek will be clean as it passes through Morgantown. That will be a great resource.”
Both Downs and Hurley say Hansen’s support has been critical in getting this process started.
“We’re just trying to find partners for the feasibility study and the project and really drum up community support,” Hurley said. “Right now, everything is a clean slate and this is nothing more than a dream — maybe you could say it’s a vision, and we’re going to see if it’s worth the effort.”
