Economic Impact
Prior to the construction of the Boise Whitewater Park, the 30th Street area was a disinvested neighborhood. Today it is part of a burgeoning economic area, with street improvements, recreation opportunities, new retail and service offerings. Other communities with whitewater parks have experienced economic impacts to the local economy in terms of millions of dollars. This neighborhood has seen the same kinds of benefits.
In Golden, Colorado, a whitewater park on Clear Creek contributes an estimated $2 million annually to the city’s economy. A river recreation park in Vail contributes $1.8 million annually, and a park in Breckenridge $1.4 million annually.
More than three out of four Americans engage in healthy outdoor activities. Of these outdoor recreation enthusiasts, 24 million enjoy paddling sports. More than 150,000 Idahoans in 2007 – 16% of the population – enjoyed paddle sports and even more when you include the surge in river surfing of the past decade.
GOAL: Build an economic machine – generating economic benefits by attracting residents and visitors.
In nearby Cascade, Idaho, a University of Idaho Extension study showed that the park drew nearly 20,000 visitors its first year, and 50,000 the next. That figure will increase as Kelly’s develops further.
Of the visitors to Kelly’s in 2011, the study estimated
About 25% came to Cascade specifically for the park
Another 54% had Kelly’s as one of several destinations on their trip
The remaining 21% decided to visit Kelly’s while already in Valley County.
In all, the study estimates that 15,000 of the 40,000 unique daily visitors were new (incremental) to Valley County. This translates into an economic impact on Valley County of approximately $600,000, more than $400,000 of which was realized in Cascade, primarily in campground fees and restaurant spending.
The Boise Whitewater Park features the latest hydrologic technology, adaptable to various water flows, and allowing year-round accessibility. It is was designed with with space for spectators, expositions and the media to host regional and national events.
When one considers the cost of gear, transportation, lodging and other expenditures associated with kayaking, canoeing and rafting, the economic impact of more in Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and Wyoming combined is $1.5 billion annually. The Boise Whitewater Park has had a tremendous economic impact on Boise and Garden City.