It’s About The Economy
Posted by Chip Richards in Whitewater on 29. Jul, 2010 | 0 Comments
“A creative economy is the fuel of magnificence.” Ralph Waldo Emerson. Have you noticed Grand Rapids has been doing a magnificent job with our new creative economy? Medical Mile is world class with the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Lack’s Cancer Research Center and now Michigan State University Medical School. Look at the $70 million LEED [...]
Our Rapids Are Grand
Posted by Chip Richards in Economy, Whitewater on 15. Jul, 2010 | 0 Comments
Our rapids are grand, or at least they may be, once again. There is a lot of talk of a “kayak park” being built downtown on the Grand River. Yes, there could be new recreational opportunities for the river, new whitewater adventure sports like kayaking and canoeing, but the real goal of GRWW is to [...]
Rocks, Rapids, More Fish
Posted by Chip Richards in Whitewater on 29. Jun, 2010 | 0 Comments
Regarding the return of rapids to the Grand, the Michigan DNR went on record saying, “We’re very open to the idea of doing this on the Grand River. We think it would actually probably improve the fish habitat in that area. And, you know, one of the reasons of course we’re supportive too is it creates [...]
Jet Skiers vs. Dams – Another Dam Accident!
Posted by Chip Richards in Whitewater on 19. Jun, 2010 | 0 Comments
WARNING: Stay away from the 6th St and Bridgewater dams. Exit the river above the Fish Ladder (we use the East side, upriver of Sixth St) and put in below Bridge St at Ah-Nab-Awen Park. The foremost priority of GRWW is river safety. Our organization is focused on remediating the inherent dangers of the lowhead [...]
A Better River For Everyone
Posted by Chip Richards in Whitewater on 09. Jun, 2010 | 0 Comments
If nothing else, we need to make our river safer. The lowhead dam, top, is referred to as a drowning machine. Replacing the existing lowheads, known locally, and erroneously as cofferdams, would create a safer experience for river users. Lowhead dams produce a dangerous, perfect hydraulic that is difficult to navigate and too often impossible [...]
Another Dam Accident
Posted by Chip Richards in Whitewater on 29. Apr, 2010 | 0 Comments
April 24, 2010. We have the rest of the story. The two fishermen refused to talk on camera, but we have an eyewitness account of the near tragedy. Another story of a capsized boat and near drowning at one of five lowhead dams, downtown. The two men were motoring up river on the East side, [...]
Getting The Word Out
Posted by Chip Richards in Whitewater on 02. Feb, 2010 | 0 Comments
Rapid Magazine, an international paddling publication, recently picked up our story. Stay tuned for the article.
We Have ‘Killer Dams’ On The Grand
Posted by Chip Richards in Whitewater on 26. Oct, 2009 | 0 Comments
Sunday October 25, two kayakers nearly lost their lives on the Grand River. They were warned of the dangers of the low head dam by the very fishermen that would later save their lives. Watch this video to learn why these hydraulics are so dangerous. By the way, a properly engineered whitewater project would mitigate [...]
Fox 17 Covers GRWW On The River
Posted by Chip Richards in Whitewater on 05. Oct, 2009 | 0 Comments
41 was the final count. 41 paddlers gathered on the Grand for the 1st Annual Art Prize Paddle. Pretty good turnout considering the short notice and marginal weather. It truly was spectacular to appreciate the art from the river. Thanks to Fox 17 for showing up to help us spread the word about putting rapids [...]
