Bend Whitewater Park (Formerly known as Colorado Dam Safe Passage Project)

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The Colorado Avenue Dam improvements are well underway. Photos show the construction of the three channels in the Deschutes River: (1) a safe passage channel for boaters, paddleboarders and tubers, (2) a whitewater surfpark with four wave features and (3) a natural area with enhanced fish and wildlife habitat. The river will also have improved access from a new pedestrian bridge. There will be a gathering to celebrate the whitewater surfpark on May 27th from 6-11pm at the Volcanic Theatre Pub. Check out the Bend Paddle Trail Alliance for more details.

View of the construction from the pedestrian bridge.

Large sandbags are used to form a cofferdam to divert water during construction.

The boulders will form the permanent lining of the channels.