WRAL’s Elizabeth Gardner’s dream of having a whitewater park in Raleigh may soon come true.
If WRAL meteorologist and avid whitewater kayaker Elizabeth Gardner has her way, Raleigh City Council will move forward on a transformative 80-acre park with whitewater features as early as this summer. Despite the 20-year quest, Gardner finally sees the light at the end of the tunnel—the project was included in the Raleigh Parks Bond approved last November and could paddle on the scene and be complete in as little as five years.
Gardner first dreamt up the idea in 2001 when visiting Clear Creek Whitewater Park in Golden, Colorado (a suburb of Denver), with her husband. “We were like, ‘Wow, this is the coolest thing ever. We must have one here!’” As soon as she returned to Raleigh, she started asking questions about how to make a whitewater park a reality. … But it proved to be not such an easy feat (see the full timeline to the right).
Naturally, the Neuse River—specifically the portion near Falls Lake Dam—proved to be the perfect place for the park, dubbed Neuse River Park. While kayakers, tubers and the like can utilize that part of the river as it is now, the problem is with access, Gardner maintains. Due to erosion from the different flows of water released from the dam, there’s currently a lack of access points to load into the river.
A Deep Dive Into History: In 1978, the Army Corps of Engineers, who are responsible for building most of the dams in the country, and Wake County got together and drew up a plan for a whitewater park in Raleigh—which would’ve been only the second in the world. “Nobody’s around that knows why they didn’t build it,” says Gardner. “It was going to be paid for by the Army Corps.” In 1998, if Raleigh had gotten the bid for the Pan American Games, the Neuse River would’ve been outfitted for the whitewater competition.
This project would change that, creating at least two access points for kayakers to get in and out of the water and surf through three different rapids. (Fun fact: According to Gardner, the City of Raleigh is also working on a blueway—think a greenway but for water—and in order to get the distinction there must be a certain number of accesses along the river.)
The main priority, Gardner emphasizes, is to get people into the river. With the Neuse being so far from Downtown, at times it doesn’t feel like Raleigh even has a river, but it does. And, soon, it’ll attract residents and visitors of all ages, interests and backgrounds. And not just kayakers.
Previously nicknamed Falls Whitewater Park, they ultimately went with Neuse River Park—as Gardner realized as she was visiting parks across the country —“yeah, there were some whitewater kayakers—but there were a lot more people who were tubing, boogie boarding, swimming and just hanging out on the rocks having a picnic,” she says. “So we decided we would take ‘whitewater’ out of the name because it’s really going to be more like an old-fashioned swimming hole.”
In addition to the river features, the project will also encompass an 80-acre park. What will go there will depend on the master plan—and public input—but she foresees anything from ziplines and ropes courses to an amphitheater to a brewpub overlooking the water. Add to that the greenway trail that already flows alongside the river and connects to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, nearby Forest Ridge Park and Wilkerson Nature Preserve, and you have an “incredible adventure destination,” as Gardner calls it.
Between the master plan, permitting and construction, it could still be about four years before Neuse River Park comes to fruition. “I think if we had it built in five years, I’d be ecstatic,” says Gardner. But it looks to be promising, and with all the park has to offer, it would be a big win for the city. Case in point: Clear Creek Whitewater Park claims $2 million a year in economic impact.
“The point of this park is that everybody can use it,” Gardner emphasizes—from swimmers and fishermen to boogie boarders and tubers to picnickers to those simply walking or riding by on the greenway looking to cool down on a hot day. Think of it like a free outdoor playground for both kids and adults—a place where residents and visitors alike can realign with nature and escape from the city for a while. And that, we’d argue, is something definitely worth pursuing.
20-Year Timeline For The Park
2003: Gardner put together a committee and had a company provide a preliminary drawing and cost estimate for the park. The project received funding from the Parks Bond and interlocal fund. The city ultimately decided there wasn’t enough money to build the park.
2012: $150K from the funds is used for a feasibility study. The project was approved by City Council, but not funded.
2019: Raleigh started organizing another Parks Bond. The Parks Advisory Board loved the project and initially put it at the top of the list.
2020: The pandemic halted the project once again.
2022: Another Parks Bond passes, and Neuse River Park ends up on the list of parks that would be funded by the bond, with $11 million dedicated to the project.
2023: This summer, City Council will decide which projects will be built with the first round of funding.
Earth to Raleigh… here’s a slew of ways to show our planet it rocks this Earth Day.
Our world revolves around Earth Day—and we hear going green is in this season! So for what it’s Earth, here’s where to relish in Mother Nature and show our planet some love April 22 (and every other day too!).
Lake days for the win! Grab your paddle for a foray out on the water; lace those sneaks up for a stroll; or grab a seat at one of the park’s picnic tables. … We lake that a lot!
Water you doing this Earth Day? Take a trip to this NC State gem hidden away on the university’s centennial campus for an open-air meal spot, a paddle or a jog along the greenway trail.
Calling all happy campers! Trek the trails via this respite from the hustle and bustle of Raleigh livin’. Find a plethora of hiking ops, three man-made lakes (!), picnic shelters, fishing spots and camping areas to boot.
Sprawl on the grass and gape at the skyline or join the community ahead of Earth Day April 21 to explore environmentally conscious vendors, play games, give some love to the City of Raleigh Environmental Awards and watch WALL-E.
Somebody put “Heal the World” by Micheal Jackson on blast ASAP. And check out ways to roll up your sleeves on Earth Day—and during National Volunteer Week—to clean up our city with this org… “one piece at a time.”
Make your way to Moore Square for a daylong event feat. workshops, educational chats and other Earth Day activities to keep ya grounded. … That’s pretty neat!
A Place at the Table launching its very own run/walk club
Walk—or run—toward good food, fun and meaningful connections via A Place at the Table’s newly launching Run & Walk Club (!).
“We believe that through being active, eating good nutritional food and connection, we can build a healthier and happier community together,” the philanthropic sup spot said in a recent Instagram post. “Come be a part of our family of folks that enjoy loving on others and love spreading our mission of providing community and good food regardless of means!”
The run/walking will commence and conclude at the cafe—looping around the perimeter of Nash and Moore Square—with 3- and 1-mile ops.
A new park is coming to town near the Raleigh/Knightdale border.
Prepare to be green with envy over Raleigh’s newest urban oasis (!). The Wake County Board of Commissioners recently approved the schematic design for Kellam-Wyatt Farm, a three-generation family farm and woodland sanctuary located near the Raleigh/Knightdale border.
The land’s roots can be traced back to 2013, when Bob Kellam and Susan Wyatt granted a conservation easement to the City of Oaks Foundation to ensure the protection of the property’s natural heritage. In 2018, the pair donated the land to Wake County, and staff undertook a master planning process that was eventually approved by the Board of Commissioners in December 2021. Now, Phase 1 of the design is finally in the works.
“As Wake County continues to grow rapidly, it’s more important than ever that we preserve our open spaces and provide places for residents to exercise and enjoy themselves,” says Commissioner Don Mial.
The park design includes woodland and meadow trails, community gardens, demonstration gardens, open play areas and a nature playground, as well as a 2,600-square-foot covered community pavilion, parking, a maintenance facility and improved site access.
On top of the already detailed plan, the farm will host a park center that will provide indoor and outdoor classroom space, restrooms, and staff offices. The project will also feat. green stormwater infrastructure, solar panels, native plants and public art for visitors to enjoy.
“Kellam-Wyatt Farm will be a true gem in our community,” adds Mial, “and I’m excited to take the next step toward its completion.” Get excited to get outdoors!
Think you know NC—and Raleigh? Test your smarts on some NC trivia—from historic hauntings and happenings to namesakes and state veggie—to prove your stripes so you can “esse quam videri” (aka “to be rather than to seem”—our state motto). Get after it!
1. Yes, you can(dy). What Raleigh-made sweet treat earned the title of “World’s Largest”—and a feature in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!—before the shop selling them closed its doors a few years back?
a. Gummy bears
b. Skittles
c. Licorice
d. Candy corn
2. This’ll lift your spirits… Which one of these NC State hallowed places is rumored to have disgruntled ghosts haunting its halls?
a. Reynolds Coliseum
b. Bowen Residence Hall
c. Holladay Hall
d. Caldwell Hall
3. Land, ho! Our beloved city’s namesake, Sir Walter Raleigh, founded the first English colony in America. Where was it located?
a. Roanoke Island
b. Ocracoke
c. Cape Hatteras
d. Kill Devil Hills
4. We’re rooting for you! While there’s no doubt NC is a great place for all types of agriculture, which veggie is our state’s official vegetable?
a. Carrot
b. Sweet potato
c. Beet
d. Cabbage
5. “What’s in a name?” … The City of Oaks is known and named for numerous things (e.g. Raleighwood, Oak City, etc.). Which of these is one of Raleigh’s renowned nicknames?
6. Ready to wing it? Which feathery friend is celebrating its 80th birthday (!) as our state bird this year? … Don’t let this one fly over your head!
a. Owl
b. Turkey
c. Blue jay
d. Cardinal
7. Let’s get fizzical. Adding some pop to the local beverage scene, which soda was started in the small town of New Bern in 1893?
a. Mountain Dew
b. Sprite
c. Pepsi-Cola
d. Fanta
8. We’re seeing green… Raleigh’s rec scene is top-tier, touting 200+ parks with activities, programs, playgrounds and more. Which local park claims seniority?
a. Lake Johnson
b. Lake Crabtree
c. Umstead State Park
d. Pullen Park
9. It’s time to get schooled. NC boasts several higher ed programs that earn top marks. Which local university was the first HBCU to open its doors in the Southern U.S.?
