Crews have wrapped construction on a whitewater recreation feature at the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers in downtown Des Moines as part of the Iowa Confluence Water Trails (ICON).
Now, it’s a matter of testing out the waves before the feature opens to the public next spring.
Principal Point at Scott Avenue near Principal Park will serve as an access point in ICON’s extensive water trail network, which aims to connect 150 miles of creeks and rivers in central Iowa. Once completed, the estimated $60 million Principal Point project will serve as one of the six sites along ICON’s downtown run, said Anna McDonald, ICON associate director of communications.
For now, the site is closed to the public, but leaders plan for a grand opening in spring 2027.
Builders completed construction on the waveshaper at Principal Point, a whitewater recreation feature that makes sustained, adjustable waves for surfers, kayakers, and rafters of all experience levels. Also at the site is a fish and habitat channel that will provide fish and wildlife safe passage through the area.
On the other side of the river, near SingleSpeed Brewing, there will be a cascading feature that will help maintain river levels, McDonald said.
“Seeing the in-river construction complete is a major milestone for our team and everyone who has helped bring this vision to life,” Executive Director of ICON Water Trails Stephanie Oppel said in a statement. “We can’t wait for the opportunities Principal Point will create for people to connect with the Des Moines River in a whole new way.”
Officials from Denver-based Merrick Whitewater, the waveshaper designers, will be testing out the feature through the fall. Construction will continue on land next to the river, which will include a canoe and kayak launch, gathering spaces, trail connections, signage and landscaping, according to a news release from ICON.
ICON leaders are building a second whitewater site on the future Hubbell Trailhead near Gray’s Lake, though it will be more beginner-friendly than the waves at Principal Point, McDonald said. That portion won’t be finished until 2028.
Eventually, ICON officials will have a larger whitewater park and water amenities at Center Street in the heart of downtown Des Moines. The three other nearby river access points are at Harriet Street, which is complete, Birdland Park and Marina and Prospect Park. Leaders plan to eventually offer water programming, such as rafting excursions and kayak trips.
ICON officials also have been working with the Des Moines Fire Department and other area fire departments on a safety guide for how to respond to water emergencies and water safety education for the public. The fire department has visited the site and practiced water rescues, McDonald added.
Altogether, the downtown projects, except for the Center Street project, is estimated around $100 million, McDonald said.
Beyond downtown, ICON’s network has grown to 21 access sites with the completion of access points at Clive Greenbelt Landing, Merle Hay in Johnston and Colby Park in Windsor Heights, according to a news release from ICON.
McDonald said around half of the $60 million for the Principal Point project will be invested in infrastructure that improves water safety and quality, including dam modification beneath the Scott Avenue bridge that eliminates the dangerous recirculating current and improves water flow.
“We really see recreation as a catalyst for conservation and getting people to care about this natural resource that we have,” she said. “And so hopefully, by building these sites and programming … and activating it all, there’s more care for our water and we can see improvement of water quality in our region.”
Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines and Polk County government reporter for the Register. She can be reached at vbarreda@dmreg.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Construction wraps on ICON whitewater feature near Principal Park
Reporting by Virginia Barreda, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Virginia Barreda, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
