Auburn's plans to begin construction on a downtown kayak park next year come at a time when interest in "park-and-play" freestyle kayaking has experienced tremendous growth.

Park-and-play kayaking allows boaters to spend the day playing on a major river feature rather than launching upstream and paddling miles downstream to a take-out point.

This growth in interest has spurred many communities to build public whitewater parks that include features like strategically placed boulders.

The $850,000 first phase of the Auburn Owasco Riverfront Revitalization Project, which will include the kayak run, could begin as early as next spring. The project is funded through state and federal grants.

The kayak run will stretch from a spot along the Owasco Outlet near Hunter's Dinerant down to the Central Medical Building, said Chris Detrospero, senior planner in the city planning office.

Auburn's new park will include boulders and other items that manipulate the flow of water, making it attractive to freestyle kayakers.

The boulders create large waves, called rodeo holes, where kayakers can surf and perform acrobatic stunts. The parks are the aquatic equivalent of skateboard parks, snowboard half

pipes and bicycle freestyle courses.

"We're looking at other cities that have done similar projects," Detrospero said. "We're trying to bring people to the water."

The whitewater park boom began in the West as an outgrowth of construction of whitewater competition venues and is now spreading east to New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

The whitewater park along the Owasco Outlet will be open to all kayak owners.

Detrospero said the city could bring in a partner to rent kayaks to others interested in participating.

Until the new project is created, the closest park to Auburn is Cascade Falls Kayak Adventures in Penn Yan.

Barb Phillips, a local introductory kayak instructor, said she's seen an increase since last year in the number of people wanting lessons in the area. Phillips has seen a range of age groups taking an interest in the sport, from very young children to older people wanting to experience the therapeutic benefits of kayaking.

While Phillips teaches basic kayaking, rather than freestyle forms, she said any lessons can be beneficial.

"The more efficient you are, the easier it is and the safer it is," she said.

Meg Vanek, executive director of the Cayuga County Office of Tourism, said the Auburn park will be a strong attraction for people seeking outdoor activities, especially since there aren't a lot of kayak parks in the area.

Although whitewater parks are designed as kayaking playgrounds, many users are non-paddlers.

Designs incorporate picnic spots, spectator areas, walking trails and other amenities that can turn a seedy urban waterfront into a focal point for recreation and economic development.

Auburn's riverfront revitalization project plans also include significant redevelopment along the riverfront through landscaping, improved parking and sidewalks.

Detrospero said the city will create a promenade on the north part of the river as part of the second phase of the project.

Because the park involves more than just the kayak run, Vanek believes it will draw others, as well.

"We haven't really taken advantage of the water going through the city," Vanek said. "It will draw attention, whether you're kayaking or not."

The Associated Press contributed

to this report.