Over 100 people crowded the Fernie Golf and Country Club Thursday evening (May 10) to listen to a presentation on the proposed Fernie White Water Park on the Elk River.  Olympian Scott Shipley who has planned these white water parks all over the world was introduced by Fernie resident Dan Savage, a member of the newly formed park society.

Shipley spoke about the way these types of parks are built and answered questions about hazards, liability and safety.  Shipley who specializes in building white water parks said that these aren’t just parks they are community parks where people watch what is going on in the river, sit and read and walk around on the banks.  The draw isn’t just for the sport it is an economic impact for the community, it draws huge events and large numbers of visitors Shipley said.

The crowd seemed very appreciative of the information provided and Shipley drew a large round of applause after the presentation.

Photo, left to right, Dan Savage, Scott Shipley.

By Mary Giuliano

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