Gadsden considering building a water park along I 59

GADSDEN, Alabama (WDEF) – The city of Gadsden is planning a project that could lure tourists down I 59 into northeast Alabama.

The idea is to turn Big Wills Creek into a water park.

Right now, it has a dangerous dam where a kayaker and rescuer drowned last year.

But the city wants to take out the dam and and replace it with a lazy river for kayakers, picnic tables and a restaurant.

A nonprofit organization is raising money for the plan now.

Plans are underway for a new whitewater park in Gadsden. The proposed site is off I-59 at Big Wills Creek.

The city owns its 66 acres of land there, but under the current plan would lease it to a nonprofit, which would organize the park. Nonprofit organizers hope to put in a lazy river, picnic tables and a restaurant at the old pumphouse.

Proponents of the park say it would turn a “light” into a profitable tourist attraction for the city. Under the current plan, the dangerous dam would be removed, creating a safe place for kayaking.

The nonprofit needs to raise $1.5 million for the project. After that, they will depend on the revenue the park earns to keep it running.

You can learn more and find out how to donate at their Facebook page, Gadsden/Etowah Adventures.

Big Wills Creek & dam now

“This is an aerial view of Buena Vista. It is the best whitewater park in Colorado. This is our template moving forward.”