Iowa Rivers Revival Hails Opening of
Manchester Whitewater Park
Public invited to grand opening celebration June 19-20.
“The stunning new whitewater park is a huge milestone for Iowa and the Maquoketa River,” said Jerry Peckumn, Board Chair of Iowa Rivers Revival (IRR).
For immediate release – Thursday, June 11, 2015.
Contact Roz Lehman, Director, Iowa Rivers Revival -- 515-724-4093, rlehman@iowarivers.org
Manchester, Iowa. Iowa Rivers Revival (IRR), an organization that advocates revitalizing Iowa rivers and streams, congratulates Manchester, a northeast Iowa community celebrating the grand opening of its new Whitewater Park June 19-20.
Manchester removed a dam and created the state’s largest whitewater park, a magnet for kayakers, canoers, anglers, sight-seers, residents and visitors.
IRR encourages Iowans to join the “Let it Flow Riverfest” celebration June 19-20 or visit Manchester any time. The Riverfest festival is free and offers fun for all ages.
“The new Whitewater Park is a tribute to Manchester’s passion and dedication to reconnect residents and visitors to the Maquoketa River,” said Jerry Peckumn, Board Chair of IRR.
“This project is a true community collaboration,” Peckumn said. “It’s a result of public and private cooperation -- partnerships between city, county and state governments, other public agencies, businesses, organizations, land-owners, and volunteers. They had a vision and plan. They converted a dangerous low-head dam into a safe and enjoyable attraction for recreation, economic development, and environmental stewardship for years to come.”
The Manchester Whitewater Park has enhanced safety along the river for recreation. It has restored the Maquoketa River to a more natural state, providing better fishing, more aquatic life, and a healthier, cleaner river. It’s an investment that improves quality of life for the town and region.
A dozen Iowa low-head dams have been removed or modified over the last four years with State coordination, and 15 more projects are under way. Three include whitewater recreation features that bring visitors to Iowa and bolster their local economies – Charles City, Elkader, and now Manchester.
“Let it Flow Riverfest” weekend events, June 19-20 -- You are invited:
Friday, June 19, 6:30-9:30 p.m.: Free live music from the Dunnshee Moon Band. Hog roast sponsored by The Watershed, Manchester’s canoe and kayak outfitter. Where: 252 River Street.
Saturday, June 20, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.: “Let it Flow Riverfest” at Shelly Park on South Franklin St. An opening ceremony with brief remarks will take place at 11 a.m. Activities include free kayak and tube rental sponsored by The Watershed, kayaking and tubing demonstrations, fly tying, fish aquarium, display booths, water recreation vendors, and much more. The downtown area will host a street fair, food vendors all day, a beer tent, a street dance, and a live band from 4-8 pm.
More Background – Manchester is IRR’s “River Town of the Year”
Helpful web sites:
www.iowarivers.org
www.facebook.com/ManchesterWhitewaterPark
www.manchester-ia.org
www.manchesterwhitewater.com
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Rosalyn Lehman
Executive Director
Iowa Rivers Revival
PO Box 72
Des Moines, IA 50301
515.724.4093 | rlehman@iowarivers.org | Facebook
