KEARNEY WHITEWATER
The goal of the Kearney Whitewater Association is to transform the Kearney Canal Tailrace and Turkey Creek into a recreational water trail with whitewater features. The decision was made to divide the projects into phases so the following will explain our progress.
PHASE I – KEARNEY WATER TRAIL
Phase I consisted of developing two landings – one (entry) landing at Yanney Park and a second (exit) landing near Midway Auto Group in south Kearney. Nebraska Public Power District (the owner of the canal) and the City of Kearney reached an agreement where NPPD allowed recreational use of the canal below 11th Street and they also allowed the development of a landing near the NE corner of Yanney Park. After the canal confluences with Turkey Creek (SE corner of Yanney) the stream is public domain. The city also reached an agreement with Midway Automotive Group to develop an exit landing on their property between 2nd Avenue and Central Avenue. Phase I of the project also included further cleanup of the stream and placing signage in appropriate locations.
PHASE II – TURNING FLATWATER INTO WHITEWATER
Phase II is now in progress and focuses on the development of whitewater features near 2nd Avenue. In 2015 the Kearney Whitewater Association hired S2O Design & Engineering to complete a whitewater park feasibility study. This study was finalized in 2016 and was entirely funded by KWA. This was an important step which showed that our vision for a whitewater park in Kearney was possible. In 2018 the Association and the City of Kearney jointly hired S2O Design to complete a preliminary plan for developing whitewater features. The city has enlisted the services of Miller & Associates who have helped obtain the necessary permits issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers. We have now raised enough funds to build two whitewater features. The Kearney City Council approved the bid from Whinnery Construction from Lake City, Colorado and construction is expected to begin in January 2022. This whitewater park will be a family friendly venue, ideal for both beginners or experts, and it will be available to the public free of charge. This will significantly enhance the beauty and ambience of Kearney’s south entryway. A whitewater park in Kearney will provide recreational, environmental, cultural and economic benefits to the Kearney area. Whitewater parks have been proven to attract visitors from long distances and have a positive economic impact in the areas where they have been developed.