Pejibaye River Restoration Proposal
Pejivalle Whitewater Park Development Initiative





 
What is a whitewater park?

What are the economic benefits of a whitewater park?

What are the social benefits – healthy coexistence – of a community?

A whitewater park river rectification project..



The reintroduction of a river's natural features – with the purpose of correcting environmental damage and eliminating hazards created by industrial construction projects in and around a river – is the primary goal of a whitewater park.



Eliminating environmental hazards and dangerous consequences for humans caused by the construction of bridges, the development of diversion dams, riverbank reconstruction projects, and dredging operations for sand and gravel quarries is the reason why municipalities, provinces, and states develop whitewater parks.



Improving the economy of a town or city by increasing tourism is the second reason why municipalities, provinces, and states develop whitewater parks.

Economic Benefits of a Whitewater Park



Whitewater parks in the United States and Europe have demonstrated significant economic benefits for the municipalities that host them. Here are several case studies and key points that illustrate these advantages:

1. Whitewater Park in Salida, Colorado



Since the opening of the whitewater park in Salida, CO in the year 2000, the city has experienced significant growth in housing units and an increase in social capital. The park has become a key recreational hub, boosting tourism and driving economic development in the region. (runofriver.org)

2. Whitewater Park in Durango, Colorado



The whitewater park on the Lower Animas River in Durango contributes approximately $18 million (921,600,000 colones) annually to the local economy. This impact comes from both direct visitor spending and the attraction of events that bring participants and spectators to the area. (hcn.org)

3. Whitewater Park in Golden, Colorado



A study of the Clear Creek Whitewater Park in Golden estimated its annual value, based on boater spending, between $1.4 million and $2 million (716,800,000 and 1,024,000,000 colones). The park has also improved the city's image, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and benefiting local businesses. (garivers.org)

4. Whitewater Park in Fort Collins, Colorado



A 2010 evaluation of a proposed whitewater park in Fort Collins indicated potential economic benefits, including an increase in visits and spending in the local area. The park was projected to attract both residents and tourists, contributing to the city's economy. (watercenter.colostate.edu)

5. U.S. National Whitewater Center



Although it is not located in Colorado, the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, serves as a relevant example. The center attracts more than 700,000 visitors annually and has an estimated economic impact of $37 million (18,994,000,000 colones) in the region. It employs nearly 500 people during peak season, demonstrating the substantial economic benefits these facilities can offer. (s2odesign.com)

6. Recreational In-Channel Diversions (RICD) in Colorado



Colorado's legal framework for RICDs helps protect investments in whitewater parks by ensuring water rights for recreational use. This legal protection supports the economic benefits associated with these parks, as they keep water in the river channel, are non-consumptive, and help maintain healthy river ecosystems. (eponline.com)

7. Economic Impact of River Recreation in Durango



A 2006 report on the economic impacts of whitewater recreation in Durango highlighted that commercial river use contributed significantly to the local economy, with direct commercial rafting expenditures estimated at more than $5.5 million (2,816,000,000 colones), leading to a total economic impact exceeding $14 million (7,168,000,000 colones). (durangoco.gov)

8. Whitewater Parks as Drought-Resistant Attractions



Whitewater parks have been identified as valuable assets during drought conditions, as they can maintain consistent water flows for recreational use. This reliability makes them attractive destinations even during periods of water scarcity, supporting local economies when other water-based activities may be limited. (hcn.org)

9. Economic Benefits of Conserved Rivers



Studies have shown that conserved rivers with recreational opportunities, such as whitewater parks, provide substantial economic benefits to local communities. These benefits include an increase in tourism, higher property values, and an improved quality of life, all contributing to economic development. (americanwhitewater.org

Social Benefits of a Whitewater Park for Healthy Community Interaction



Key Points for the Development of a Whitewater Park:

1. Economic Growth: Whitewater parks attract tourists, increasing spending at local businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and retail shops.

2. Job Creation: The construction and operation of these parks create employment opportunities both directly within the park and indirectly in the surrounding community.

3. Community Development: These parks serve as recreational hubs, improving residents' quality of life and fostering community engagement.

4. Environmental Benefits: When properly designed, parks can contribute to river conservation efforts, maintaining ecological health while providing recreational opportunities.

5. Year-Round Attraction: With the right design, whitewater parks can offer activities throughout the year, providing continuous economic benefits regardless of the season.

Why the Pejibaye River?





The Pejibaye River is an ideal location for a whitewater park because:
    1. The Pejibaye River has no dam, meaning the water is clean.

    2. The Pejibaye has a consistent water volume year-round to sustain a whitewater park.

    3. The river flows through a community with the necessary amenities and infrastructure to support a thriving tourism industry.

    4. The Pejibaye River has a repairable area of appropriate size for a whitewater park.

    Compare:
The Salida, Colorado Whitewater Park is 400 meters long.

The Gunnison, Colorado Whitewater Park is 350 meters long.

The Golden, Colorado Whitewater Park is 300 meters long.

The Fort Collins, Colorado Whitewater Park is 200 meters long.

The Pejivalle, Costa Rica Whitewater Park would be 150 meters long.

Why Costa Rica?



There are more than 60 whitewater parks in the United States.

There are zero whitewater parks in Costa Rica because there are zero whitewater parks in Central America.

Unlike the rivers in the United States, Costa Rica’s rivers never dry up and never freeze.

So while whitewater parks in the U.S. generate revenue for municipalities only 6 to 8 months a year, a whitewater park in Costa Rica will attract tourists year-round.

Costa Rica is the heart of the Americas.

Pejivalle is the soul of Costa Rica.

Pejivalle is more than important.

philoseophy