Clearfield County looking to bring whitewater park to the area

CLEARFIELD COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) – A new feature to the Susquehanna River is in the works in Clearfield County.

Two whitewater paddling parks are in the early planning stage to help restore the low head dams in Curwensville and Clearfield.

The Raftmans Dam in Clearfield is going to be restored, and the Pee Wee’s Nest in Curwensville will be restored to build both parks. Both parks will have whitewater features for all skill levels.

“I’m really excited about this. Your typical Whitewater features in this area are in tributaries that are from the rapid thaw from snow. So you may get some river elevations on the machine and creek and some other tributaries in the area that you can have whitewater experience. But something like this, having a recreational park, you’ll be able to have paddle days and whitewater experiences,” CEO of Clearly Ahead Development, Rob Swales said.

Something the community wants to see is the area to keep its logging history alive.

“We really want to have a common theme throughout the dams. The low head dams and the recreational parks is really telling the story and the history of the logging and the log rafting days of Clearfield County and Central Pennsylvania as a whole,” Swales said.

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The project is still in the early stages but the hope is to have it finished by July 4th, 2026 for the 250th anniversary of America’s Independence.

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