The Arkansas River is the main recreational attraction in Cañon City. Locals and visitors are drawn to the river to walk, picnic, tube, and paddle. The lush riparian vegetation and deep blue water, contrasted against the arid landscape around it, create a picturesque landscape.

Calibre’s Whitewater Team was tasked with studying a three-reach section of the Arkansas River through Cañon City and creating a plan to prioritize projects within each of the reaches. A master plan and report were created and used as a starting point for conceptualizing possible design solutions to enhance whitewater recreation, fish habitat, and stream beautification.

The project objectives focused on expanding the existing community riverside park, restoring the river corridor’s function and aesthetics, stabilizing the streambanks, and enhancing the venue for rafting, whitewater kayaking (slalom and freestyle), tubing, and other healthy, active outdoor recreational activities.