The following editorial appeared last Wednesday in the Yakima Herald-Republic.

A whitewater park in Yakima? Sounds like a good idea. Just as the Yakima River Canyon has become a premier spot for leisurely floats, enhanced whitewater sections near the confluence of the Yakima and Naches rivers would seem a natural follow.

Local advocates are working on the details of such a park, and at first blush the idea sounds promising. Creating a water park’s drops and pools requires boulders being anchored in the river, producing waves and other features that challenge kayakers. Advocates contend there can even be an upside to such alterations in that they can bolster fish habitat by making deep pools that become resting places, while the rushing water increases oxygen supplies.

And there’s more:

“We don’t make water and we don’t take water,” said Scott Shipley, a mechanical engineer and former Olympic kayaker who works for a Colorado firm hired to scout locations and complete a site evaluation. “We’ll use the Naches to create a feature and it will flow right on by. People who might have a hydroelectric plant or people drawing water for irrigation won’t be affected. If you have an existing water right, you won’t be affected by this.”

Even drought years wouldn’t be a problem, Shipley added. When the flows are low, the park is more suitable for people who are learning, people practicing basic skills or people who are cooling off, Shipley told our reporter.

Cost and dealing with permitting and government regulations could be a problem, but it’s one that’s being addressed. Early estimates for a Yakima park are from $200,000 to $800,000, which is quite a spread. State funding will be sought to help with costs since state lawmakers set that precedent by approving money for a proposed Spokane park. The whitewater park would be the first of its kind in this state. If two are approved for Eastern Washington, that’s fine, but if it comes to a single location, Yakima would seem the logical choice, given its centralized location.

While we’re jittery about costs at this early juncture, we think the idea itself is great and should be pursued. Such a park will further enhance and expand the many recreational opportunities in this part of the state, which in turn bolsters a growing tourism industry.