Whitewater Park

In 2016, 1% for Open Space pledged $5,000 to Gunnison County to help fund the reconstruction of damaged whitewater wave features #2 and #3 of the Gunnison Whitewater Park. The 1% grant funds made the request of a larger grant from Great Outdoors Colorado possible. 

1% made the decision to help fund the repairs because they recognize that while Gunnison County is a haven for outdoor recreation—from biking and hiking, to fishing and rafting—the Gunnison Whitewater Park stands alone as the sole experience of its kind in the area. The Whitewater Park is a major economic driver in the County with aquatic recreationalists, and it plays a vital role in supporting the Gunnison River Festival and rafting and fishing companies too.  In addition, the 1% for Open Space board felt other benefits associated with the reconstruction, such as enhanced habitat for fish, improved bank stabilization for the riparian river ecosystem, and greater functionality of the important 75 Ditch, were also influential to the decision. 

This was also a key project in showing the community that 1% wants to support the needs and wants of our locals both in Gunnison and Crested Butte. There was a lot of local support for repairing the Whitewater Park so 1% felt that using their funds was appropriate as their funds come from community businesses.