From The Aspen Times

GLENWOOD SPRINGS — Footage of the Glenwood Springs White Park can now be seen on youtube.com, which might answer any questions concerning the popularity of the town’s newest attraction.

“It’s taken off a little quicker than we had expected it would,” said Brian Wright, co-owner of Glenwood Canyon Kayak.

Wright and his business partner, Chris Vogt, are surprised at how quickly interest in the whitewater park has spread, not only throughout Colorado but also nationally and worldwide.

“It’s crazy, the attention it’s been receiving,” Wright said. “It’s turned out better than we even dreamed.”Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park | Colorado

Elkhorn City may beat out Bardstown on the chance at having the first Kentucky whitewater park.

From Boatertalk

We (the Elkhorn City Heritage Council) were notified yesterday that we'd won a grant to develop a feasibility study to create several streambed play features in the downtown Elkhorn City area.

As many of you might know, the Russell runs right through the middle of Elkhorn City, with a decent bit of gradient. There are several spots we've looked at over the years that, with minimal 'help', could become sweet play spots. Now we've got a few dollars (ok, more than a few) to pay the professionals who do this kind of thing.

Our mantra for this project is 'minimalism is best'. We're hoping to create features that come in when the river is down to its normal low summer flows (around 200cfs), but remain in as the river gets up to fall release flows (800+). We are absolutely NOT trying to divert the streambed, alter the normal flows, etc, etc. If we can't do it in the existing streambed with minimal work, we're not doing anything. Also, this work is NOT be tied to the efforts to get low water releases on the Fork in summer. What we have in mind wouldn't rely on any supplement to the natural flow.

Our goal, of course, is to broaden the appeal of whitewater on the RF and get more folks into downtown E.C. Our models are the several Colorado locations which have created these types of 'whitewater parks' in existing streambeds.

BTW, a major component of the grant is a local education campaign to try to wean everyone from the county judge to the local dog-catcher from referring to all whitewater activities as 'raftin'. While we got nothing against raftin, that's certainly not what the vast majority of paddlers are doing here. We'll also be heading into the local schools pushing the youth to get interested. The Council will be purchasing a creek boat and boating gear (paddle, helmet, pfd) for these public presentations, along with some whitewater videos featuring the Fork. We're always open to interested sponsors.

The Elkhorn City Area Heritage Council is a registered 501c3 non-profit corporation.

Tags: Whitewater Park | Russell Fork

The whitewater park builders from Riverestorations.org have completed work on the Avon Whitewater Park in Colorado.

The park was designed by Glenwood-based River Restoration and features three river runs for kayakers Baby Bob, Bob Jr. and Bob Sr., graded from beginner to advanced. Baby Bob provides kayakers who are still wet behind the ears with an opportunity to sharpen their skills. The intermediate freestyle kayaker can throw around some moves on Bob Jr., and Bob Sr. provides challenging entertainment for the most advanced of freestyle kayakers. The terrain is groomed along certain parts of the river and rock beds have been built up bank side to provide kayakers easy access to the water. Additionally, the park features new wetland plantings and a beautifully constructed spectator viewing terraces.

Tags: Whitewater Park | TV

Land and Water Conservation Fund grant applications available Dec. 15

FRANKFORT, Ky. - The Governor’s Office for Local Development (GOLD) is now accepting applications for the 2008 Recreational Trails Program grant, and will accept applications for Land and Water Conservation Fund grants beginning December 15.

Applications are available online at www.gold.ky.gov. For additional program information, please contact Jodie McDonald by phone at 800-346-5606, ext. 222, or by email at jodie.mcdonald@ky.gov.

The deadline to submit a Recreational Trails application is February 1, 2008. The deadline to submit a Land and Water Conservation Fund application is March 1, 2008.

The Recreational Trails Program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration and may be used to acquire land for recreational trails and to develop and renovate trails for both motorized and non-motorized use. Recreational Trails funding is administered by GOLD.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund provides grant funds to protect important natural areas, to acquire land for outdoor recreation and to develop or renovate public outdoor recreation facilities such as campgrounds, picnic areas, sports and playfields, swimming facilities, boating facilities, fishing facilities, trails, natural area and passive parks. The LWCF is funded by the National Park Service and administered by GOLD.

Tags: Whitewater Park

The Bardstown Whitewater Park should fit into this campaign very nicely.

Tags: Whitewater Park

Spalding Hurst recently hiked to Rowan Creek from the My Old Kentucky Home State Park and has this report on the falls of Rowan Creek.

Rowan Creek has a pretty good set of falls on it, right beside Poettershop Road. But it also has a access by way of the My Old Kentucky Home park. Their is a trail that spans the creek and ends near Pottershop Road where the Falls of Rowan Creek are. After checking this spot out on Sunday morning I think it has the potential to be a nice park and surf after some heavy rains. I was surprised at how much water was moving through the creek on this day. Probably about 50 cfs.

I did not take any pictures but attached is a picture from a few years ago when John Mathews, Jay Thomas and myself hiked the creek. The play spot would be on the lower drop, about a 4 foot drop. There is pretty good access from Pottershop road at this point, so hiking in like I did is not mandatory.

The next time we get some heavy rains and I can get to Bardstown I plan to really check this spot out.

Tags: Rowan Creek | Whitewater Park

Legislation was introduced in the House Thursday, October 25th, to authorize funding to rehabilitate and repair aging public dams in the United States. Rep. John Salazar (D-CO) introduced the Dam Rehabilitation and Repair Act of 2007 which would provide $200 million over five years to repair state and locally owned dams. The legislation is nearly identical to legislation introduced in the 109th congress (H.R. 1105) that failed to pass before that congress adjourned last December.

ASCE's 2005 Report Card for America's Infrastructure gave dams a grade of D, and the Association of State Dam Safety Officials estimates that $10 billion is needed over the next 10 years to make repairs to the nation's most critical dams. Key Contacts are encouraged to contact your Representative and ask him or her to cosponsor the legislation.

The bill text is available at http://thomas.loc.gov

Tags: Whitewater Park

Here is a video from a proposed whitewater park in Spokane, WA. It does good job of illustrating the benefits of bringing such a park to communities.


Friends of the Falls is a non-profit organization working to protect and improve access to the historic Spokane Falls and river gorge. Primary activities include leading implementation of projects identified in the community-based Strategic Master Plan developed for the area.

Tags: Whitewater Park

BRIAN WALKER The Kentucky Standard

A May 2006 proposal to create a park near the Bardstown city dam that could draw in boaters from several states hasn’t happened yet, but the project isn’t dead in the water. Although no official action has been taken by city government, its engineers and the council are receptive to researching the mutual benefits retro-fitting the dam on Beech Fork River and nearby area could have for boaters and the water supply.

Bardstown City Engineer Larry Hamilton said at Tuesday’s Council meeting work on a proposal with the Army Corps of Engineers along with input from a group of designers and a professor from the University of Louisville show the project is still viable. Originally the Bardstown Boaters brought the idea to light at a tourism meeting as a way to improve the dam and create a “place to play” at the same time. Spalding Hurst, a member of the boating group, said he and others must travel great distances to do some aspects of their sport. The proposed site, if made a reality, would become a destination for boaters of all types, he said.

Hamilton said the original price tag to get the engineering work completed on the dam project was $10,000. Previous commitments from the Bardstown-Nelson County Tourist and Convention Commission and the Bardstown Boaters to each pick up a third of the tab left the city with roughly a $3,300 bill to fund the project. Hamilton told the council Tuesday the work with U of L will be less costly than a Colorado-based firm suggested early on in the discussion of the proposal. He said about $6,000 is all that will be used to fund the engineering and design plans.

“The boaters have raised even more money than they said they were going to,” Bardstown Mayor Dick Heaton said. “They have been very committed to this whole thing. We still have a promise from tourism for a third of the cost too.”

Hamilton said he wanted to make it clear the project wasn’t just a pet plan to benefit a few people. The gravel dam on Beech Fork River has eroded steadily during the decades since its construction. The ability to safely raise the level of the water in the area and provide more water is part of an overall review of the city’s system currently underway, he said.

Hamilton explained to the Council the low levels at Sympson Lake this summer due to a lack of rainfall has given the water department ample opportunity to investigate methods to improve pumping activities and increase the volume of water sent to the nearby treatment plant.

He said an intake screen has become partially obstructed with several tons of silt over the years. Hamilton suggested to the Council securing an engineer and contractor to create a concrete retaining wall tall enough around the intake area of the pumps to keep it free of debris. With more electrical capacity at the location through improvements in recent years, he said both intake pumps could work at once to give the city the ability to draw about 8.5 million gallons of water a day.

Currently one pump can bring in about three million and the other roughly six million gallons. With the partial blockage of the intake, neither is really functioning at full capacity, Hamilton said.

Tags: Whitewater Park

The Bardstown-Nelson County tourist board talked of ideas and promotions for the area including the Bardstown Whitewater Park on Tuesday September the 18th. Here is what the Kentucky Standard reported in the September 19th edition of the paper.

Proposed efforts to create a whitewater park for canoe and kayak enthusiasts near the Bardstown city dam. Although now new action has been taken by city government on the matter, the Bardstown Boaters group is still promoting the idea. Tourism chair Nicky Rapier said city officials have been receptive to the proposition as there is already a need to do some work on the spillway area.

Learn more about the Bardstown Whitewater Park

Tags: Whitewater Park

More than $523,000 in grant money will be available to increase adventure tourism opportunities in eastern Kentucky.

The funding was announced in conjunction with results of a study showing that increased spending on adventure tourism in eastern Kentucky could bring in more than 130,000 new visitors a year, create more than 1,500 new jobs and have an estimated annual economic impact of nearly $100 million.

Download the study here: EKYAdventureTourismPlan.pdf

Community meetings have been set to discuss study and grants.

Topics will include a general overview of the study, implementation planning and grant information. For more information visit: http://www.kentuckytourism.com/krta

Tags: Whitewater Park

Charlotte Observer, April 2007, by JACK HORAN

Whitewater paddling in Western North Carolina would get a boost from a proposed run-of-the-river "whitewater park" on the Nantahala River with newly fashioned waves and rapids.

The nearly half-mile-long park would be built by Nantahala Outdoor Center and would be open to the public at no cost for playboating, training and competition. The project would rearrange a dangerous rapid filled with jagged rocks so it could be run safely.

President Sutton Bacon last week stressed the "whitewater park" wouldn't be of the same scale or purpose as the $35-million, U.S. National Whitewater Center just west of Charlotte, which opened last year.

The Charlotte park is the world's largest artificial re-circulating course with three-quarters of a mile of Class III-IV rapids that includes an Olympic-standard slalom-racing course. Rafters, canoeists and kayakers pay to paddle.

The Nantahala concept follows that of nearly 100 whitewater parks on rivers in the West and could cost about $5 million. NOC will seek economic development money. "We're at the beginning," said Bacon, who is also president of American Whitewater, a national advocacy group.

Two weeks ago, two area legislators asked the legislature to provide $50,000 for an environmental assessment "of the construction of a white-water paddle sports training and activity center."

Bacon said employee-owned NOC, which takes 130,000 customers annually in rafts down the Nantahala, has put in $25,000. The project would need an OK from the U.S. Forest Service, which regulates use of the river and which, along with NOC, owns land bordering the section.

Nantahala District ranger Mike Wilkins said the agency would require an environmental assessment that could lead to a special-use permit. "This project kind of fits what people do in the area," he said.

The dam-release river is the most popular whitewater river in the Southeast. At present, rafters and private boaters paddle a 7.5-mile stretch, finishing just below Nantahala Falls at the NOC complex.

Bob Hathcock, an NOC staffer who's managing the project, said new whitewater features for canoes and kayaks would begin just above NOC's footbridge with a designed wave. Boulders notched into place or held by grout would form the rapids.

Just below the footbridge would be a double-drop rapid with a wave, then a side channel with splash pools for wading and, in the river channel, a 4-5-foot-high wave for whitewater rodeos. In rodeos, kayakers perform cartwheels and spins, getting scored on their skills.

Farther downstream lies Wesser Falls, a Class IV rapid with jagged rocks left from a dynamiting decades ago. Hathcock said NOC would smooth out the cascade by removing the hazardous rocks and create a series of Class III, drop-and-pool rapids.

New footpaths would link the end of Wesser Falls to a new footbridge at Nantahala Falls so paddlers, carrying their kayaks, could make the run again.

Tags: Whitewater Park | Nantahala

From American Whitewater

The Friends of the Falls Association has completed its campaign to raise $225,000 for the design, permitting and construction of the Spokane Whitewater Park. The campaign reached its goal recently thanks to a donation of $40,000 from Teck Cominco American, a diversified mining company headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., which has a regional office in Spokane.

In the Great Spokane River Gorge, one mile from downtown and next to the Sandifur Memorial Bridge, the Spokane Whitewater Park will feature two u-shaped structures built from large boulders. The structures enhance river access and create drops, waves and pools in the river for kayakers and other users to enjoy. The project also includes additional parking, landscaping, and a visitor center at the entry to People’s Park, which will benefit all users of the area including anglers, hikers, mountain bikers, residents of adjacent neighborhoods, and anyone using the Fish Lake and Centennial Trails.

The Whitewater Park is one of 15 priority projects in the Great Spokane River Gorge Strategic Master Plan. The Plan is inspired by the 100 year old recommendation of the Olmstead brothers that Spokane create a Great Gorge Park. A full copy of the plan is available from the organization’s web site: www.friendsofthefalls.org.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

I've added an aerial picture to American Whitewater's page of the proposed whitewater park site on the Beech Fork with a link to it in the whitewater park section of this site.

The image was captured from Flash Earth using the Yahoo! Maps imagery. This image shows the location of the park in relation to downtown Bardstown.

More pictures of the rubble dam on the Beech Fork can be found on Flickr and on the water levels page.

Tags: Whitewater Park

I received an application this week for grant money being offered by Clif Bar and American Whitewater. We now have the opportunity to apply for one of two $1,250 grants. The grants will be distributed to clubs for projects that promote river stewardship, conservation, access and/or safety education on our nation’s rivers. This program provides Club Affiliates with the seed money necessary to implement programs in their backyards.

I will apply in order to seek more funds for the Bardstown Whitewater Park campaign.

You can find out more about this grant at American Whitewater.

Tags: Whitewater Park

I want to thank everyone who came out for the Texas Holdem tournament on Saturday night. It was a huge success, bringing in $800 for the Bardstown Whitewater Park fund. Better yet, we were able to spread the word for the upcoming Paddle Pickup to a whole new group of people. We'll look forward to seeing you all this June 9th at the Beech Fork.

The last two players of tournament ended up splitting the winnings when they had an even chip count.

Tags: Whitewater Park | Charity

See the different water levels at the rubble dam on the Beech Fork in this growing gallery of images. This set is being collected to aid in designing the Bardstown Whitewater Park.

Tags: Beech Fork | Whitewater Park

The Bardstown Boaters are hosting an invite only Texas Holdem charity tournament on Saturday April 14th. It is a $50 buy in. $30 goes to the pot, and $20 goes to the charity fund. The boaters are raising money to bring in an engineer to study the Beechfork River and the possibility of building a white water park there.

To participate or for more information contact Spalding Hurst or Wes Parish.

Tags: Whitewater Park | Charity

By BRETT FRENCH Of The Gazette Staff Large rocks would be placed in Yellowstone River to create waves or rapids... Billings has the opportunity to be a regional whitewater mecca if it constructs a play park in the Yellowstone River, according to a river engineer. "It would draw from across the region," said Nick Turner, with Hydraulic Design Group. "People will drive four hours to go to a play wave." Hydraulic Design Group has offered to conduct a feasibility study on a whitewater park in Billings. The price tag on the study is just more than $32,000. According to one report, as of last year there were 34 whitewater parks under construction or already built across the U.S., almost half of them in Colorado. A study by the Outdoor Industry Association said whitewater recreation is one of the fastest-growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States.

Other cities have seen substantial economic gain from developing river play areas. Turner said a study by Golden, Colo., estimated the town's water park added $2 million a year to city coffers. Turner also said creating a whitewater park brings more people to the river, saying one study estimated there were 12 visitors for every paddler. "It's a place for people to come down and experience the river," he said. "These types of recreation enhancements on rivers throughout the U.S. really improve quality of life. They bring people to the river. By introducing more people to the river, it creates more river stewards." The water features are typically made by strategically locating large rocks in the river to create waves or rapids. Any design would include room for passage by other river users, such as drift boats and jet boats, Turner said. An added benefit of such features is that they naturally create holding pools and eddies for fish. He also noted that the opportunity exists to tie such a Billings facility into current events, such as the annual Peaks to Prairie race and the Big Sky State Games.

Published on Saturday, March 10, 2007.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

A new feature has been added to the Whitewater Park section of the website. It is the timeline for the Whitewater Park outlining the progress that has been made and bringing you update on where we are with the park.

Timeline for the
Bardstown Whitewater Park

Tags: Whitewater Park

From The Kentucky Standard

Bardstown will have a new city engineer and Larry Hamilton will have a new job but in both cases, the newness is only skin-deep. Hamilton will start work Thursday as the new city engineer, a position he had until 1998 when he retired after 25 years with the city government. Hamilton first joined the city in 1973 as an assistant city engineer under R.A. Kelly. He was promoted in January 1977 after Kelly retired. After retiring himself, Hamilton continued to work for several years as a consultant to the city before accepting a job in 2003 with the state Division of Solid Waste. A Bardstown native, Hamilton still resides in the city. “When (Mayor Dick Heaton) called and discussed what he had in mind, I wanted to help him with his plans,” Hamilton said. “I wanted to work with the mayor and help him accomplish what he wants to achieve.” “Working with (the mayor) will be challenging and fun and I’m looking forward to that,” Hamilton said. As city engineer, Hamilton will be in charge of the city Public Works and Utilities departments, and will report directly to Heaton. Those departments cover electric, cable, Internet, streets, sewer and water concerns. Heaton said he thought during his tenure on City Council the city needed “more in-house engineering assets,” and decided to move on that immediately when he became mayor this month.

When Hamilton last worked for the city there were three experienced engineers on staff, Heaton said. When he retired, the city chose not to fill the position he vacated. Hamilton, a certified professional engineer, carries a higher level of classification than the other two engineers on the city staff. Jeff Mills is a certified electrical engineer and George Greenwell is a civil engineer. “That forced us to take more engineering to outside firms,” Heaton said. “I feel like we will be able to save enough, by reducing outside contracting” in utility and public works jobs to recoup additional salary expenses, Heaton said. “It will create more efficiency with more engineering personnel on staff,” Heaton said. In the eight years after Hamilton left the city, “we’ve done nothing but grow,” Heaton said, adding “miles and miles of infrastructure.” During those years the city built a new waste treatment plant and expanded the water treatment plant, while also losing longtime waste treatment plant operator Jerry Riley, who died last year. That position has not yet been filled. Hamilton “has a strong working knowledge of both of those facilities,” Heaton said. “I’m going to feel comfortable with someone with Larry’s background and experience.” Heaton said he discussed his plans with the Council before deciding to offer Hamilton the job. “I’m looking forward to getting back,” Hamilton said. “I don’t have an agenda other than learning what the mayor and the City Council have on their minds and working on that.” Tom Dekle can be reached at 348-9003 Ext. 118 or by e-mail at tdekle@kystandard.com.

Tags: Whitewater Park

Apparently Kentucky is loaded. On Thursday, November 2, 2006 Governor Ernie Fletcher announced that General Fund revenue for the current fiscal year is coming in higher than originally projected and is expected to exceed budgeted levels at the end of the fiscal year.

The current estimate anticipates an extra $279 million. So, how should we spend it? I know how I would spend it.


Take The Survey
The last day to participate in the survey is January 25, 2006

Tags: Whitewater Park

See what's happening right this moment down at the Truckee River Whitewater Park in Reno, Nevada.

Tags: Whitewater Park

From the Friday, December 15, 2006 Kentucky Standard

By Bob White

Bardstown will send a representative to Elizabethtown Thursday to learn more about grants to aid the Beech Fork whitewater park project and trail projects being considered for implementation.

During Tuesday's Bardstown City Council meeting City Administrator Larry Green informed city leaders of two federal grants being offered through the Governor's Office of Local Development.

The funds being offered could be used to improve the riverbank of Beech Fork at the old rock dam near U.U. 31E bridge where a whitewater feature has been proposed.

"It won't help with the rebuilding of the dam, but it may be useful in building a trail to the river," Green said.

Green said funding could also be used for a connector trail between Beech Fork and Bardstown Community Park.

More information about the Land and Water Conservation Funds and the Recreational Trails grants will be learned during a Thursday meeting at the Lincoln Trail Area Development District office in Elizabethtown, Green said.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund offers 50-50 matching grants of $5,000 to $50,000. The average amount awarded to applicant communities in Kentucky last year was $39,951, according to Samantha Cool, Public Information Officer for the Governor's Office of Local Development.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

Some information has surfaced on one of two grants that have been discovered by Assistant City Administrator, Larry Green, which could be applied to the Bardstown Whitewater Park.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

Bardstown's most outspoken proponent for outdoor recreational and environmental causes is moving on to a sister newspaper in Elizabethtown. Bob White has covered the Bardstown Boaters greatest accomplishments over the past 2 years in our local press, and in doing so has helped us grow our efforts more than we ever could have imagined.Read More...

Tags: Membership | Whitewater Park

We are getting close to our goal of raising $2200 so the process of getting a site assessment for the Beech Fork Bardstown Whitewater Park can begin. To find out more visit the Whitewater Park page.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park | Donate

From Paddler Magazine May/June 2005

Human beings are tinkerers. When something doesn’t fit our needs, it’s our nature to change it.

Whitewater paddlers are no different. And whitewater—in the form of man-made whitewater parks—is springing up in towns and cities across the nation, creating a new wave of whitewater enthusiasm in the most unlikely of places: downtown. People who would otherwise never be exposed to whitewater now find it right in their front yard.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

The disappointment in the paddling community was thick last week when a study found the proposed white-water park on the Great Miami River was too expensive.

The Miami Conservancy District and Five Rivers MetroParks wanted to build a white-water play facility that would also give less experienced paddlers a safe way to get around the low dam near the Monument Avenue bridge.

But the study found the park cost would total close to $10 million. That was too much, the agencies decided, and the proposal has been scrapped.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

Bardstown Boaters, a group of local whitewater enthusiasts, first proposed the project and have since compiled a preliminary informational package for local officials to review.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

Bardstown Mayor
• Dick Heaton - 1,528 Votes - 55%
Dixie Hibbs - 1,130 Votes - 40%
Steven Wimsatt - 152 Votes - 5%Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

This whitewater park is set to open the Spring of 2007 on the summit of Marsh Mountain in McHenry, Maryland. McHenry is 3 hours from the Washington, DC area, 2 hours from Pittsburgh, and within a 3 hour drive for over 26 million people.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

Please visit a new section of the Bardstown Boaters website and write a few words on why you would like to see a whitewater park built in bardstown. We need to gather up as much local support for the park we can and we can now document that support right here: CLICK HERE

Please give this link to family and friends or anyone you know who wants to support bringing this unique opportunity to Bardstown.

To learn more about the whitewater park idea, click here.

Tags: Whitewater Park

Enthusiasm seems to be building for a whitewater park on the Beech Fork in Bardstown.

Fundraising efforts are underway to pay for a visit and analysis by a whitewater park engineer, who will address issues such as water flow and structural feasibility.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

Beech Fork
2000cfs

Thank you to everyone who came out for the Poker Run this past Saturday. It was a great success. We raised over $800 to go towards bringing in the McLaughlin Whitewater Group to do a site assessment for a Bardstown Whitewater Park. This is our first step towards our goal of raising $2200.

The winning hand was three 9's beating out Kings and 6's. I had guessed trips would end up winning it. Emerson Ballard, a local paddler, played the winning hand and the winnings were donated back toward to the effort.

Even if you didn't get to come out for the Poker Run their will be more opportunities in the future. You can make a personal donation if you like on our whitewater park site:

http://www.bardstownboaters.com/whitewaterpark

And stayed tuned for our next fundraiser coming very soon... The Elkhorn Creek Race!

Thanks to these sponsors for helping us put on the 2006 Poker Run

Boone's Butcher Shop
Horizon Hoppers
Keene’s Depot
Bardstown Mills

Tags: Poker Run | Charity | Whitewater Park | Beech Fork

By MIKE WIGGINS

The Daily Sentinel: Thursday, September 21, 2006

The Grand Junction City Council unanimously agreed Wednesday night to pitch $100,000 into an effort to build a whitewater park on the Colorado River near Palisade.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

Paddlers’ Poker Run planned for Saturday


Wednesday, September 27, 2006 8:21 AM EDT

BOB WHITE The Kentucky Standard

Funds being raised for whitewater park

Poker runs aren’t just for motorcyclists anymore.

Hoping to fund an engineer’s visit to Beech Fork and a design incorporating a whitewater feature into the rock dam near the New Haven Road bridge, Bardstown Boaters are hosting a paddlers’ poker run Saturday in which participants could win up to $500.

The local paddling club has been the main proponent of a push to convert a stone dam that cannot be safely navigated by canoes and kayaks into a safe chute and play wave for boaters to use.

Following a formal presentation of the concept to Bardstown City Council and some preliminary “homework” done on part of city officials, Assistant City Administrator Larry Green said the next step would be to draft a plan and design for the project.

For that, Bardstown Boaters president Spalding Hurst said an experienced whitewater park engineer would need to visit the site and compile a preliminary plan and cost estimate.

The cost of such a visit is expected to be $6,000-$7,000, depending on the engineering firm chosen.

Cost of constructing whitewater parks throughout the nation have ranged from $140,000 for a park along a stream in Colorado to $25 million for a park not on a river in North Carolina.

Hurst didn’t want to speculate the cost of creating a single wave and navigable chute at the Beech Fork dam. He said he would rely on the engineer to talk numbers to the public.

Green said he has identified a federal grant that could help fund the whitewater park. Additional funding may be available through the state if the city decides to increase the height of the dam to increase its raw water collection pool.

Before seeking grants for the project, Green said some engineering work should be done so a plan could be presented to state and federal stakeholders such as the Division of Water, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

The poker run is an attempt to fund the next step in the process of planning the whitewater park.

The fundraiser will begin noon Saturday at the KY 49 bridge across Beech Fork and will conclude about 5 p.m. at the New Haven Road (U.S. 31E) bridge.

Plans are to have paddlers collect five playing cards at locations along the river. Three of the cards received will be handed to participants by Bardstown Boaters stationed in boats along the route. The best hand at the end of the day wins half the pot collected, or a maximum of $500.

The cost of entering the poker run is $20. Participants are responsible for providing their own boats, canoes, kayaks or other watercraft. Horizon Hoppers Adventure Services will provide canoes and kayaks free of charge to anyone who does not own a boat and wants to participate in the event.

“I wanted to show I give this project my full support,” said Mike Hammons, owner of the Bardstown-based outfitter.

Hammons said no less than a dozen boats would be available at the start of the poker run on a first come, first serve basis.

The event is open to paddlers of all skill levels and food and drinks will be available for purchase at the beginning and end of the poker run.

Hurst said he expects about 50 people to attend, but hopes for more.

For more information on the poker run or the Bardstown Whitewater Park log on to the Bardstown Boater Web site at www.bardstownboaters.com. The club is also taking contributions online for the whitewater park.

Bob White can be reached at 348-9003 Ext. 116 or by e-mail at bwhite@kystandard.com.

Tags: Poker Run | Beech Fork | Whitewater Park | Donate

The Kentucky Standard
Wednesday, September 20, 2006 9:02 AM EDT

Our Views/Editorials

Work toward reconfiguring a rock dam into a safely navigable whitewater feature along Beech Fork River is moving fast and smooth thanks to the impressive efforts of the Bardstown Boaters paddling club.

The editorial board at The Kentucky Standard supports the group’s effort to add this new recreational feature to the county and we wish them well in their endeavor.

While the park is not planned to be a behemoth $25 million facility similar to what opened in Charlotte, N.C. earlier this year, the proposed Bardstown Whitewater Park would be an asset to sportsmen and youth of our community along with the economy as businesses look to support paddlers and their fans.

The park could be the light at the end of the tunnel for struggling business owners such as canoe outfitter Mike Hammons of Horizon Hoppers Adventure Services who has spent the past five years trying to rent kayaks to outdoor adventure seekers from his shop at the Bardstown-Nelson County Airport.

It could also be a boost for existing businesses such as Keene’s Depot which has already established itself as Bardstown’s sporting supplies store.

Most importantly, the proposed park would provide a good, clean, fun activity for people to enjoy, whether cartwheeling and splashing around on the wave themselves or spectating from the riverbank.

To take an eyesore rock dam that’s not safely navigable for boaters and turn it into a destination will open the river to all sorts of recreational opportunities for many generations to come.

Fishing, wading, tubing and picnicking will follow the kayaking.

We, at The Standard, hope the community, city government and state and federal officials jump on board with the boaters in pursuit of the Bardstown Whitewater Park.

Tags: Whitewater Park

Wednesday, September 20, 2006 8:59 AM EDT
BOB WHITE The Kentucky Standard

Fundraiser set for Sept. 30.

No great hurdles seen so far.

That’s what Bardstown Assistant City Administrator Larry Green told City Council following inquiries made with state and federal agencies about a proposed whitewater park for Bardstown.

Interest in the concept of reconstructing an old rock dam on Beech Fork for recreational purposes has grown since the idea was first announced a few months ago by members of Bardstown Boaters, a local paddling club.

Following a formal presentation of the group’s plan to construct a whitewater feature at the dam lying immediately west of the New Haven Road bridge across Beech Fork, Green said he began doing some “homework” by checking with agencies dealing with water and dams and looking for possible sources of funding.

“The talks were encouraging,” Green said of discussions with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “They said it’s not their dam and said it would be no big deal so long as (the whitewater feature) wasn’t causing erosion.”

Kentucky’s Division of Water expressed interest in the project, but Green said “no red flags” had been raised following talks with those officials.

While doing his homework, Green discovered Land and Water Conservation Fund grants available for recreational projects such as the proposed parks. Bloomfield was denied a $50,000 grant request from the federal fund earlier this year to help renovate its park system. The fund generally allocates about $400,000 annually to Kentucky cities for recreational projects in matching grants of $5,000 - $15,000.

The maximum allowable amount of Land and Water Conservation grants is $75,000, Green said.

With the possibility of obtaining additional funding for use in raising the dam for an increased raw water pool, Green said he was encouraged about the whitewater park idea.

No one at the city level has spoke against the whitewater project and few questions have arose relating to it since proponents provided the city with what many have considered an impressive amount of information.

“There’s no questioning the amount of legwork (proponents) have put into this,” Councilman Bobby Simpson said.

During the discussion phase, questions have risen relating to increased traffic associated with the proposed park along U.S. 31E.

Councilman John Royalty said the city needed to determine if the whitewater feature would increase traffic near the bridge and address those concerns with the state highway department early.

City Financial Officer Mike Abell doubted any traffic concerns to come as a result of the proposed park.

“I’ve seen four or five of these and it’s usually groups of four or five boaters that use them at any given time,” Abell said.

It is unclear if a single whitewater feature along the river would increase auto traffic in the area, but proponents aren’t discouraged with such concerns.

“I’m just glad the discussions continue and that people are beginning to research the idea for themselves,” Spalding Hurst, president of Bardstown Boaters, said.

Hurst said on Thursday that a special feature was added to the club’s Web site for people to comment on the park.

The feedback page, found at www.bardstownboaters.com, will enable proponents to keep track of concerns and log public opinion and support for the proposal.

Green said the next step necessary in the park project was to compile a plan and design for the park to submit to state and federal agencies for review.

Bardstown Boaters isn’t waiting for local government to hire an engineer.

In an attempt to raise funds for a preliminary whitewater park engineer’s visit, estimated at $7,000, the group is hosting a fundraiser Sept. 30 along the Beech Fork.

The paddling poker run is a 7-mile event in which paddlers contribute $20 to the pot, collect cards along the route and play the best poker hand in an attempt to win half the purse.

Hurst said he hopes with fundraisers such as the poker run, enough money can be raised to soon have an experienced whitewater park engineer visit Bardstown.

Hurst said preliminary talks with engineers have been encouraging.

“They said we couldn’t have a better site,” he said.

Information on the poker run can be found at the Bardstown Boater Web site.

Bob White can be reached at 348-9003 Ext. 116 or by e-mail at bwhite@kystandard.com.

Tags: Whitewater Park

Friday, September 8, 2006 8:26 AM EDT
BOB WHITE The Kentucky Standard


While questions arose over parking and possible trashing of the river, an overwhelming amount of support was apparent for the construction of a whitewater park at Beech Fork during a meeting of Bardstown City Council Tuesday night.

About 20 people in support of a proposal to reconstruct a rock dam near the New Haven Road bridge over Beech Fork into a navigable whitewater feature showed up for a formal presentation to City Council Tuesday.

The effort is being spearheaded by members of Bardstown Boaters, a group of paddling enthusiasts based in Bardstown.

With some discussion already having taken place on the possible raising of the rock dam to increase raw water supply for the city’s water treatment operations, Mayor Dixie Hibbs and proponents of the whitewater park feel it’s possible to incorporate the water feature into the dam-raising project.

Hibbs said she would consult water plant officials on specifics relating to the volumes of water for plant operations, but noted a need for increased supply in the near future.

“We’re pumping about 50-percent of our water from the Beech Fork,” Hibbs said.

The river has the potential to supply ample amounts of water if dammed correctly, since the river drains about 600 square miles of upstream watershed, she said.

Hibbs voiced her support for the proposal and practicality of the dam’s reconstruction.

“If we were to increase the dam one or two feet, then this redesign could be done for the safety of boating, accomplishing two things - recreation and an increase of water supply,” Hibbs said.

Improving the safety of the river was a key point of the project, according to Bardstown-Nelson County Tourist and Convention Commission vice-president Dawn Ballard.

The dam cannot be navigated safely as is.

“This is something that takes a potential hazard and makes it safe,” Ballard said. “People don’t use (the river) as much as they could.”

The plan, as submitted to City Council by Bardstown Boaters president Spalding Hurst, consists of the construction of a single whitewater feature and two chutes navigable by canoes and kayaks.

“It’s just a single rapid that’s safely navigable,” Hurst said. “The put in and take out would be at the same spot.”

“Play-boaters” could park at the river and practice whitewater paddling techniques at the site, he added.

Two engineering firms experienced in whitewater park construction have expressed an interest in working on the park in Bardstown.

“They described this site as a perfect setup,” Hurst said of engineers’ opinion of the Beech Fork.

Hiring an engineer to visit the site, compile a preliminary plan and estimate is expected to cost about $6,700.

Ballard said various sources of funding were available for the whitewater park’s construction, but thought the project should proceed in steps.

“First we were looking for any huge grievances with the idea,” Ballard said.

While no one at the meeting spoke against the project, one woman questioned if the park could contribute to traffic along the New Haven Road bridge.

Hibbs said it was too early to determine traffic counts for such a park, but said if traffic developed as a result of the park, a traffic light may be necessary for the area.

Hibbs said another person questioned her on the potential of trash accumulating at the river as a result of a whitewater park.

During the meeting, Hibbs made note of the Bardstown Boaters’ efforts in cleaning Beech Fork with the group’s annual Paddle Pickup.

The group completed its second river cleanup this year, removing tons of debris from Nelson County stream banks.

Hurst said during a telephone interview Thursday he appreciated all the comments and questions relating to the park.

“I want people to see that this is a viable option,” Hurst said. “It could be good for tourism and recreation.”

Emphasis of the park’s location has been on the northeast quadrant of the bridge’s crossing of the river. The property is owned by the city.

Without a visit from an engineer experienced in whitewater park construction, Hurst said it was difficult to estimate a cost of the dam’s reconstruction into a whitewater feature.

Bardstown Boaters have begun whitewater park fundraising efforts with a paddling poker run on Beech Fork scheduled for Sept. 30.

Hurst said funds from the poker run would be used to hire an engineer to visit Bardstown and compile draft plans for the park.

“My hope is for us to raise $2,000, tourism to contribute $2,000 and the city to contribute $2,000,” Hurst said, regarding the funding of an engineer’s visit.

More information about the fundraiser can be found at www.bardstownboaters.com.

The report on the whitewater park compiled by Bardstown Boaters can be viewed at the group’s Web site.

Bob White can be reached at 348-9003 Ext. 116 or by e-mail at bwhite@kystandard.com.

Tags: Whitewater Park

BOB WHITE/The Kentucky Standard - While some people have successfully navigated the rock dam at Beech Fork during high water levels, most paddlers consider the rock dam dangerous to go over and difficult to portage around. A group of whitewater enthusiasts are considering a renovation of the rock dam to include safe and navigable whitewater features.
Paddlers, tourism officials and outfitter consider possibilitiesRead More...

Tags: Whitewater Park | Beech Fork

A whitewater park in Bardstown can add great value to the community, a boost to the local economy, create an atmosphere for healthy lifestyles and awareness to environmental issues.Read More...

Tags: Whitewater Park

Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Refreshing, new ideas come from sports meeting
Bob White THE KENTUCKY STANDARD - 5/24/06

Like most Americans, I’ve had my fair share of the so-called normal sports.

I played basketball, football, and baseball as a kid. I also ran track and cross country in my younger years. Most of my involvement in those activities these days includes a television.

While these sports are great for fans and players alike, the constant sight and sound of these sports can make all of them a bit mundane.

Luckily for us in Nelson County, there could be some refreshing opportunities on the horizon.

A handful of local folks met last week to discuss different sporting opportunities with tourism officials and coach Steve Small, a motivating, people-person type of guy from Mount Washington recently hired to assist in the marketing of sports in Bardstown.

I’ll admit being a bit pessimistic about the need for the community to hire a sports-marketer, but after attending the meeting I made the realization that you can have a team of all-stars, but without a coach, the team won’t shine.

With tourism officials joining hands with local sportsmen and women, the team, gleaming with innovative ideas, is there.

For $1,000 a month, we have a coach too.

Let’s hope the coach can help the team’s ideas flourish. I’m optimistic of Small’s abilities.

Refreshing was that none of the sports discussed during last week’s meeting related to the so-called normal sports.

But that doesn’t mean alternative sports such as disc-golf, paddling and hiking couldn’t be marketable and profitable for the local economy.

One man in attendance noted the traveling disc-golfers would do to play a new course. Of course, with travel comes gas sales, lodging on occasion and food.

Another mentioned how a park-n-play whitewater course could lure hundreds from the region to put in and paddle around whether on their lunch hour or weekend.

A third idea was the construction of trails to connect disc-golf courses with the whitewater park and other local spots such as Sympson Lake.

I was a bit surprised at the enthusiasm Small and tourism officials had in these ideas.

Chairman Nicky Rapier told the disc-golfers their wish was already being considered.

Whitewater enthusiasts were told their hopes couldn’t surface at a better time, considering recent talk of raising the old rock dam at U.S. 31E and Beech Fork.

Small told trailblazer Mike Hammons his skills could come in handy with the disc-golfers, since courses generally make use of wide and wooded paths.

It was a bunch of good news last week to hear the optimism relating to sports generally considered outside the norm.

Committees will be formed to discuss each interest on an individual basis the group decided.

It’s so cool Small and the tourism folks are interested in hearing more ideas such as those discussed last week.

Within a year or two all of us might be able to break free on lunch hour and head to the river to play on the waves.

Within months, we might be able to take the kids for a round of disc-golf after school and work.

Within weeks we may hear of even more opportunities to come.

With plenty of innovative minds filled with plenty of quality ideas, there’s no telling what the sporting future may hold for this area.

While these sports may not be the norm, there’s nothing wrong with them.

Change is Good.

Tags: Whitewater Park

Sunday, May 21, 2006
BRIAN WALKER The Kentucky Standard


Public encouraged to submit more ideas

It was the quality no quantity that made the meeting work.

The turnout of 13 people Thursday night for the first public discussion of sports marketing and tourism was more than organizers had expected. Attendees came armed with ideas for a variety of attractions, but the best part was that each carried a genuine enthusiasm, organizers said.

“This is great. To see these folks come in here and talk about what they’d like to see here and to have them commit to help is wonderful,” Bardstown / Nelson County Tourist and Convention Commission Chairman Nicky Rapier said.

The tourism board decided during numerous discussions through the years there was an untapped market of alternative sports, regional events and tournaments that could and should be held in Nelson County.

The board recently took action and hired Steve Small, a retired Western Kentucky University women’s basketball coach, to work as a part-time sports marketing director for the county.

Small introduced himself to the audience at the Fiscal County Meeting Room in the old courthouse with a 10-minute talk about his beliefs and dreams for Nelson County.

He touted the success of plans he helped implement in Bowling Green such as the disc golf explosion, a karate tournament and the popularity of soapbox racing.

Small said he wants to ensure locals get their desires met first even though bringing folks from outside Nelson County here to enjoy the area and to eat in the restaurants and stay in the hotels is important.

“We have got to make sure people that live and work in Bardstown and Nelson County have the recreation and sporting events and things they want first before we worry about everybody else,” he said. “If there is a local market, we will tap into those people and expand it from there.”

Bardstown Parks Department Director Donna Pascal said she was at the meeting to support the efforts of the tourism board and to offer any expertise she could.

Several members of the Bardstown Boaters Club, local disc golf duffers and Mike Hammons, owner of Horizon Hoppers Adventure Services, a local canoe and outdoors operation, were there to ask questions and seek advice on how to push each of the sports they enjoy.

Disc golf combines tossing a Frisbee-like disc into wire baskets, generally mounted on poles on a course. Many rules of standard golf apply in play.

“I’d like to see what it would take to get a white water park set up on Beech Fork River,” said Spalding Hurst of the Bardstown boaters. “There is a great location we have in mind and I know it would draw in kayakers and boaters from all over the place because there isn’t anything like this here close.”

After some group discussion, Hurst and others explained they must travel great distances to do some aspects of their sport and this would become a destination site for boaters or all types.

Rapier said he knows there is currently talk of how to better utilize the river for a water source for Nelson County. Plans are underway to build a new dam, making this the ideal time for the boaters’ wishes to be worked into the project, he said.

“I want you guys to help us do some homework on the logistics and how to help get something like this done in Bardstown,” Rapier said.

Dawn Ballard, Vice President of Tourism Expansion and Marketing for the commission, said she would arrange a more one-on-one meeting with the boaters so in-depth discussion on the topic could take place.

A trio of disc golf players from the area said the closest courses are in Elizabethtown and Radcliff. Those who want to play will drive great distances for a good course, they said.

Small, who said from the outset of his time on the job he supports the game, intends to see a course up and running by year’s end.

“I have been working on trails and different types of things that could be useful in construction of a disc golf course,” Hammons said. The golfers volunteered labor and knowledge too.

That type of cooperation is what it will take to make the work Small and others are doing pay off, Rapier said.

“I’m excited about this,” he said. “We had a nice turnout for a first meeting and there is going to be plenty to follow up on from tonight.”

For more information, call Ballard at 348-4877, Ext. 114 or log onto www.bardstownboaters.com, www.discgolf.com, www.horizonhoppers.com, www.kycanoe.com or www.visitbardstown.com.

Brian Walker can be reached at 348-9003, Ext. 114 or bwalker@kystandard.com.

Tags: Whitewater Park

The city of Bardstown is currently researching ways of increasing Bardstown's water supply.

One proposed option is to raise the dam 2-3 feet. This will increase the hazards that exist at the dam. Or it can be constructed in a way that will remove the risks while adding new and unique recreational opportunities to the river.

The problem with low-head dams:
Their purpose is to store river water for times of drought. During normal flows, water rolls lazily over them to the river's natural level below. These structures may appear unthreatening, but over the years they have claimed so many lives they have been dubbed "drowning machines."

Low-head dams are dangerous because of the hydraulic effect created when water flows over them. As water drops over the dam into the plunge pool below, an undertow is created, rolling the water toward the face of the dam, often pulling objects from downstream into the turbulence. These effects multiply as the volume of water increases. The hydraulic also extends farther downstream.

• video of the "drowning machine" on the Elkhorn Creek in Frankfort, KY
• and a report of a drowning at this dam on the Elkhorn

The solution:
Construct an artificial rock incline or rock rapids to alleviate drowning hazards. The artificial rapids will not only reduce the drowning danger but also will add recreational opportunities to canoeist, kayakers and rafters.

You essentially take a man made hazard and turn it into whitewater park while servicing the water needs of the community.

Who can build this?
Recreational Engineering & Planning is one company specializing in this field.

Recreational Engineering & Planning

All over the country rivers and streams have low-head dams and diversion structures.  Many of these are obsolete while some still serve important functions for communities, utility companies or irrigators.  Often these dams create a significant hazard for recreational users of rivers and account for a number of accidental drownings in the US every year.  Many communities are looking at ways to either safely remove or safely replace these deteriorating dams.  One of our specialties at Recreation, Engineering and Planning specializes in turning these unsightly hazards into recreational amenities.  Our company has worked on two types of dam removal projects.  In some cases the existing low head dam is enhanced while additional structures are added downstream to “step down” the drop over a series of drop structures.  In this case the existing dam structure remains and provides its design function—the difference is that what was often a single deadly drop is now a series of safer, more enjoyable whitewater rapids.  These types of dam removals can remove a hazard from the midst of a community and turn it into the type of tourist attraction that has significant effects on the local economy.

Modifications of dams are an exciting evolution in thinking about urban, working rivers.  Taking an existing hazard and creating a recreational highlight is becoming an attractive option for forward thinking communities all over North America from Calgary, Alberta to Springfield, Ohio.  Examples of Dam Removal/Modification below.

Arkansas River Boat Chute (Before and After)

Bowling Green is advancing their plans for a whitewater park.
• Take a look at the plans here.

Tags: Beech Fork | Whitewater Park

Friday, January 20, 2006 7:57 AM EST
BOB WHITE The Kentucky Standard


City and county leaders agreed to research two items Tuesday that could result in improved service and increased supply of Bardstown water.

Raw water is currently drawn from Sympson Lake and Beech Fork then treated at the city’s water treatment plant along Boston Road.
The existing water plant and sources of raw water are expected to adequately serve city water customers through 2040, but city and county leaders are looking ahead to serve the public’s need for water beyond that projected date.
“I think that’s what we’re paid to do,” Bardstown Mayor Dixie Hibbs said. “We have to admit we’re not comfortable with 2040.”
During a recent Nelson County Fiscal Court meeting Nelson County Judge Executive Dean Watts said he believed county growth was ahead of the 2040 projection.
Alternative raw water sources mentioned during the joint meeting included: the construction of a reservoir on Beech Fork, Tewell Creek, or Cedar Creek; the addition of a second reservoir on land adjacent to Sympson Lake; making use of Taylorsville Lake water; tapping into Louisville Water Company lines; and raising of the Beech Fork rock dam to increase the pool where water is currently drawn from the river.
Those alternatives are being considered as long-term water sources.
Of more immediate importance than raw water sources is the need for increased storage capacity for treated water at the plant.
Wayne Kendall, Bardstown Water Superintendent, said improvements were needed at the plant to ensure quality drinking water.

High usage during summer months force a quick treatment of water and could cause water quality to suffer as it did last summer.
“It was being used as fast as we could produce it,” Kendall said.
Kendall said treated water needs to be contained in clear wells prior to being distributed to customers.
High summer usage reduced the amount of time available for water to be held in the clear wells.
“You don’t want your water moving that quick,” Kendall said.
Not allowing treated water enough time in the clear wells reduces the quality of Bardstown water.
Kendall said the addition of a one or two million gallon clear well would allow treated water more time before distribution and improve water quality during high usage months.
The addition of a large clear well at the plant and a water line, would allow the treatment and distribution of up to 8 million gallons of quality water per day, according to Kendall. The plant currently treats and distributes about 6 million gallons per day, but nearly 7 million gallons have been treated and distributed during times of high demand.
When distribution neared 7 million gallons per day last summer, customers were asked to conserve water and limit usage.
Hibbs said the city would begin seeking estimates for a new clear well and Watts said the county would research possible grant funding for the project.
Hibbs said city funds for the improvement were currently unavailable.
The cheapest way to increase raw water holding capacity would be to raise an existing rock dam on Beech Fork by a few feet to increase the volume of pooled water, according to Hibbs.
The old rock dam can be seen from the U.S. 31E bridge spanning Beech Fork.
Some officials voiced preferences of damming other portions of Beech Fork to provide a recreational lake and others prefer not to dam the river at all.
“I’m 100 percent against raising the rock dam or building a lake on Beech Fork,” said District 4 Magistrate Tim Hutchins.
Hutchins believes the city would best serve water customers by adding a new clear well then seeking more service from Louisville Water Company.

Louisville Water Company spokesperson Barbara Crow said the company was interested in extending Louisville water to Bardstown.
Water supply and capacity would not be an issue if Louisville Water Company was to serve Bardstown, Crow said.
“We certainly have the transmission and capacity to get water to Bardstown,” Crow added.
North Nelson Water District and Lebanon Junction’s water department, both of which are bulk customers of Bardstown water, have attached their systems to Louisville Water Company lines in recent years.
Hibbs told officials North Nelson Water District would need more Louisville water in the future if growth in its district continued.
Hutchins noted North Nelson Water District currently received 45 percent of its water from Louisville.
Watts said North Nelson Water District had been pulling more from Louisville to relieve the strain on Bardstown.

Hibbs expects Lebanon Junction to eventually rely solely on Louisville Water.
Lebanon Junction Mayor George Halk said the city could not disconnect from the Bardstown system until a 40-year purchase contract with Bardstown was fulfilled. The contract was signed in the early 1970s.
If all of Bardstown’s current customers were turned over to Louisville Water Company, Hibbs said the city would turn its back on a $40-$50 million investment at its current plant.
The city recently spent $5 million at the water treatment plant and a new clear well could cost between $1-2 million.
In addition to turning away from a large investment, a century old tradition of providing water to residents would end if Louisville Water assumed all of Bardstown water’s customers.
Bardstown has provided water since 1904, according to Hibbs.
Hibbs felt comfortable in Beech Fork’s ability to supply a substantial supply of raw water to Bardstown customers.
Bob White can be reached at 348-9003 Ext. 116 or by e-mail at bwhite@kystandard.com.

Tags: Whitewater Park | Bardstown

by DAVID MANN

City leaders will decide in January if mandatory water rationing will be necessary in Bardstown, following a report by city engineer George Greenwell. The city of Bardstown’s primary water supply, Sympson Lake, is still down — as it has been for the better part of the last five months. Bardstown Mayor Dixie Hibbs said they will continue to monitor the situation and agreed to make a decision on mandatory water conservation by Jan. 15.

“At that point we have to determine which way we have to go,” she said. “There is no reason to panic at this point.”

Though the lake level is close to three feet lower than “full,” November and December are typically wet months for the region, she said. Additionally, water demand is lower in the fall and winter when residents aren’t as concerned with watering their lawns and gardens. The city is currently under voluntary water conservation.

“We asked for voluntary because we were treating and delivering so much more than we anticipated,” Hibbs said.

The water supply in Nelson County has been a concern of late for both city and county leaders. Earlier this fall, Nelson Fiscal Court announced it wanted to work together with the city of Bardstown to solve the issue. Citing recent water supply concerns and recent calls for voluntarily conservation, Nelson Fiscal Court announced its intention to find a new water source in September. The city supplies about 90 percent of Nelson County’s water. The city also pumps water from the Beech Fork River.

Right now, the Beech Fork supplies the city with about 3 million gallons per day.

Tags: Bardstown | Whitewater Park

Wednesday, October 5, 2005 8:21 AM EDT
DAVID MANN The Kentucky Standard

Nelson Fiscal Court and Bardstown City Council want to work together to solve a perceived water shortage in the county.

County Judge Executive Dean Watts said Tuesday during a meeting of Nelson Fiscal Court the two bodies will schedule a joint meeting to address the issue.

Court members as well as councilman John Royalty, who attended Tuesday's Fiscal Court meeting, agreed a joint meeting between the two bodies would be productive.

A date has not been set.

Bardstown Mayor Dixie Hibbs could not be reached for comment. Watts, pointed out however, that she approached him for the meeting. She also mentioned the potential joint meeting at last week's City Council meeting.

Citing recent water supply concerns and recent calls for voluntarily conservation, Nelson Fiscal Court announced its intention to find a new water source.

The Court approved a motion last month allowing Watts to seek federal grant money for a feasibility study to find new sources of water for the county.

For now, Watts said, federal money will have to wait. Congressman Ron Lewis is asking the federal leaders to halt spending on local projects because of hurricanes Rita and Katrina, he noted.

The city supplies about 90 percent of Nelson County's water, according to Hibbs.

Sympson Lake is the primary source of that water. The city also pumps water from the Beech Fork River.

The Beech Fork supplies the city with about a day's supply of water, around 6 million gallons. There are limits, however, on how much the city can take from the source.

According to the Center of Urban and Economic Research, county population is expected to increase by more than 80 percent in the next 30 years.

Watts said last month he would prefer a lake as a solution to the shortage.

A lake would give the community self-dependence and provide an additional recreational area, he said.

Tags: Whitewater Park