LocationTurkey River, Elkader, IA
Duration2009-2013
Services
Project Cutsheet |
OverviewThe idea for a whitewater park in Elkader was first pitched to local officials days before record flooding on the Turkey River. In recovering from the flooding, the city and local organizations realized the value of what they had flowing through town. Thus, the recreation project became a priority and has made Elkader a mecca for water sports enthusiasts. The Gobbler, the whitewater wave feature, may be the centerpiece of the project, but the Elkader restoration benefits canoeists, drift boaters, fishermen and the public’s access to the river. The obsolete low head dam was removed and in its place a river right side channel for whitewater paddlers and river left side channel for downstream canoe passage and upstream fish passage were built. From the momentum of the river restoration project, Elkader is planning new parks to turn the river that cause massive flood damage into an asset for the future.
RiverRestoration was the principal engineering firm leading the comprehensive removal of the low head dam and stabilization of the channel grade. Hydrographic survey, alternatives analysis, cost opinions, floodplain analysis and mapping, permit preparation, 2-dimensional modeling, final plans and specifications, construction bid review and observation were all performed by RiverRestoration. The construction of the wave was completed in the fall of 2013 and bank stabilization and access are set to be completed in the spring of 2014. |
Project Photos
Media Highlights
Iowa is removing deadly dams
The Des Moines Register - January 27, 2015 |