Our Vision

Willimantic is ideally situated near a large, energetic population to take advantage of the whitewater park and other recreation, arts and educational opportunities that will result from this project. Urban whitewater parks have had a positive economic impact on cities like Willimantic across the country.

Whitewater Park

The Whitewater Park would become an urban recreation destination. With an 80’ drop in 1.5 miles the Willimantic River is potentially a class 4 or 5 kayak run.

Riverside Park

With the addition of a Riverside Park, Willimantic eill once again be connected to the River with walking paths, benches, play areas and picnic spots. Walkways will connect the Main Street Historic District to the Train Museum, Windham Textile Museum, the Prospect Hill Historic District and to other points of interest. Future plans include a transcultural arts and enterprise zone featuring open air entertainment facilities with display space and an amphitheater for the performing arts.

Ecological Restoration and Education

Ecological restoration of the river is a top priority. Working with environmental scientists, and as a teaching tool with the local colleges, a plan will be developed to bring back the health of the river. CTDEP is working to restore the anadromous fish populations to the Shetucket River, and our goal is to allow the fish migration to reach their historic spawning ground further up the Willimantic River in the towns of Coventry and Mansfield.

Other Recreation

Other Recreation opportunities will be a part of this project. Willimantic is at the cross roads of the East Coast Greenway, a trail from Key West, Florida to Calais, Maine. Willimantic could become an important trail head along this multi-use trail.

What's New

Willimantic RiverFest May 17, 2008

The Windham Region Chamber of Commerce & the Willimantic Whitewater Partnership will be holding their 5th Annual RiverFest on Saturday, May 17, 2008. The RiverFest will take place at the Railroad Museum on Bridge Street in Willimantic CT., and at “The Future Home of the Whitewater Park” on Bridge Street.

Come participate in activities such as a family canoe or kayak trip down the Willimantic River, nature events, environmental groups, and booths with interactive educational activities. A Battle of the Bands will provide live music.

The Willimantic Whitewater Partnership and friends will once again conduct a whitewater demonstration. New this year will be flat-water competitions for beginners and a kayak kicker ramp for more experienced kayakers.

The River Fest will be from 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM with most events starting and ending at the Railroad Museum. The RiverFest’s main events will be held from 12:00 noon to 4:00 PM. The River Fest is free and open to everyone, though there is a fee for those who participate in the river trip. The fee covers insurance, transportation to the put-in and a raffle entry for a professionally carved frog in a canoe.

For further information, please contact:

The Windham Region Chamber of Commerce 860-423-6389

Willimantic Whitewater Partnership: WillimanticWhitewater@charter.net

Windham Recreation Department: www.windhamrecreation.com

Long-time WWP Supporter, Phyllis Foster, Passes

The board of directors and members of Willimantic Whitewater Partnership would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies to the Foster Family on the passing of Mrs. Phyllis Foster. For several years, the Fosters have been an important contributor to WWP. Their financial support and shared vision of the Willimantic River inspire us. We are humbled that upon her passing, she asked that donations be made to our organization, in her honor. We would like to thank the Foster Family for this gracious act. Through conversations and written correspondences with Mrs. Foster, her love for Willimantic shined through. Mrs. Foster supported our efforts to restore the Willimantic River and was pleased particularly that WWP was speaking for, as she said, “our fish friends.” We are proud to continue our work in shaping Willimantic's future in her memory, and bringing the Willimantic River back to life.

WWP receives $114,800 DEP Recreational Trails Grant

WWP was notified on March 1, 2008 that it has been awarded a grant for $114,800 for the development of the East Coast Greenway. Specifically, the grant was approved to develop the railroad trestle on the Airline Trail South. When complete cyclists, hikers and equestrians alike will have direct access across the Willimantic River from Lebanon into Willimantic and vice versa. Cyclists peddling into Willimantic will no longer have to exit the Airline Trail in Lebanon and find their way along the road. Construction is scheduled to begin in the Spring 2010.

Partner Organizations

American Rivers

American Whitewater

The East Coast Greenway

NOAA Restoration Center

The Last Green Valley

Rivers Alliance of Connecticut

Save the Sound

Willimantic River Alliance

Links of Local Interest

Town of Windham

Windham Chamber of Commerce

Windham Recreation

3rd Thursday Street Fest