BY DAVE PARRO
Right now, Charlie Zine is just a man with an idea. But it's a good one, so people are starting to listen.
The Aurora resident has been a Fox River recreationist and advocate for decades, so he certainly has credibility. That's why his pitch to transform Aurora's downtown dams into a whitewater park is starting to gain traction.
Aside from the economic benefits such a park would bring -- South Bend., Ind., has seen $58 million in new development because of its park in the St. Joe River -- getting rid of the rolling dams in both channels would save lives. Zine thinks replacing the dams and canoe chute with a series of step dams that would create an artificial whitewater current would draw kayakers from around the state and region, giving Aurora an attraction that will help downtown redevelopment.
Zine estimates the renovation would cost around $4 million. The state has spent about $7 million fixing the dangerous Yorkville dam, so it seems like a good deal that comes with economic and recreational benefits.
But although Zine has the city's attention, the real question is whether the state will be on board and provide funding for such a project.
Very very exciting!! This is major! Thanks, Charlie Zine! You're an inspiration!