Ketchum, Idaho (KMVT-TV) Plans to build a whitewater park in Ketchum are being discussed.

The park would offer a variety of amenities, including fishing and kayaking opportunities.

But, people in a nearby neighborhood are concerned.

A stretch of the Big Wood River, about 3 miles north of Ketchum, could one day be home to a whitewater park.

"The building of a whitewater park is just a great way for Ketchum to add to its quality of life and create a whole other sports amenity for our community," said Mayor Randy Hall, Ketchum.

A whitewater park is a section of river that is altered to accommodate water sports.

But, in this case, it will be specifically designed for kayaking.

"The great thing about a whitewater park that's built in a natural setting like we're doing is it gives opportunity to a variety of skill levels," said Jen Smith, Director of Parks and Recreation, Ketchum.

The plans call for a still water area downstream to catch people who get into trouble.

That area will be what is now called Hulen Pond in the Hulen Meadows subdivision.

But, some homeowners are not happy about the pond being included in the plans.

"There are a few people not excited about the project because we're creating these impacts, recreation impacts, within close proximity to their subdivision. We understand that some of them like it, some of them don't, and we're going to try to figure our best way to get as many people on board as possible," said Mayor Hall.

The whitewater park will only be used for about six to eight weeks every year during the spring runoff when the water is high.

However, the project will include numerous other amenities.

"It's not just about whitewater rafting. There's going to be fishing, there's going to be ADA handicap accessible pier, there's going to be dog walking, we're going to manage wetlands. It's going to be a very comprehensive project," said Mayor Hall.

It could take anywhere from a year to five years to get the project up and running.

Right now the city is in the process of applying for a recreation and public purposes agreement.

Basically, the city needs to get permission from the Bureau of Land Management to change the designated use of the property.

That has to be in place before the project can move forward.