Most people still don’t understand why I choose to spend SO much time in Reno, NV. Until they come to visit all I can do is tell them about the awesome outdoor community and the easy access to outdoor amenities.

This week just downstream of the current whitewater park (the Truckee River Whitewater Park in downtown Reno) another was completed (the Truckee River Whitewater Park at Rock Park in Sparks). Though it is still not officially open I had the chance to test out the new features - and yes I got to be the first (there has to be some perks to being the world champ). This is the kind of park you want to bring your kids to: a picnic on the grass, swimming in the deep eddies.

I know I’ll be spending heaps of time here in the near future as they’ve managed to build a nice little wave for me to train on - thank you Jim and Mike!

- Re-post courtesy of world champion kayaker Ruth Gordon

Check out this video of Ruth on the wave of  “Double D,” one of the park features:

Following on the success of the Truckee River Whitewater Park in downtown Reno, the City of Sparks has broken ground – or river – on its own kayak park, adding another attraction for whitewater athletes and recreation seekers in the Reno-Sparks area.

The site – located at Rock Park at 1515 Rock Boulevard – will be closed to the public until early 2009, with the whitewater attraction planned for a summer 2009 opening.

“The whitewater feature at Rock Park will raise the bar for recreation in the Truckee Meadows and bring visitors to Sparks from near and far,” said Sparks Mayor Geno Martini.  It will include five drops similar in appearance to the Truckee River Whitewater Park. “The project will be a wonderful use of the Truckee River, and something our citizens can enjoy for years to come.”

Along with pools for kayaking, tubing and rafting for all skill levels, the improvements include improved riverbank landscaping, shade structures, and play structures, parking and better access for people with disabilities. The river trail system will also be rerouted and improved. The nearly $900,000 contract is being fulfilled by Reno Tahoe Construction, Inc.

In addition to serving as the focal point for redevelopment in downtown Reno, the Truckee River Whitewater Park is also home to the annual Reno River Festival, one of the country’s premier kayaking competitions.