10.17.24 – Steve Heacock – President & CEO, Grand Rapids Whitewater

Speaker: Steve Heacock

Speaker Topic: Grand River Restoration Project

GRWW’s mission is to recreate the spirit of the iconic grand rapids; to make the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids a more natural river environment and to enhance the sustainability of fish, wildlife and natural resources and provide access to recreation and fitness opportunities to all. Specifically, GRWW’s mission is to:

• Reduce public safety hazards generated by low-head dams by removing the dams,
• Create diverse riffles, runs, waves, and pools to restore aquatic riverine habitat and diversity,
• Improve fish passage,
• Recapture the sight, sound, and spirit of the historic and iconic rapids, for which the City is named, and
• Enhancing distinctive recreational opportunities such as wading, angling, and whitewater paddling sports, that are safe, interesting, and substantial enough to engage residents, attract tourists, and serve as a catalyst for local, regional, and equitable economic development opportunities.