A blue stop fraud sign with various icons around it.The River Park at Canal Place

Economic Impacts

The River Park will increase economic growth by;

  • Attracting More Consumers/Visitors
  • Expansion/Creation of New Businesses
  • 2,900 Projected New Jobs Created
  • Improved Quality of Life and Wildlife Passage.

Allegany County sees 1.3 Million visitors annually. it is estimated that the River Park attraction will bring in another 1 Million visitors to the region, almost doubling the current visitation numbers. The benefits in tax revenue would approximately be $41.7 Million in State and Local taxes (Statistic provided by: WVU Research Corp)

River Park Public Meetings

The River Park at Canal Place project is a multifaceted project that will transform the North Branch River in down town Cumberland to a family friendly water park facility. Free for our community and visitors to the area. Follow us here to stay up to date on the progress of the River Park.

Listen to our public meetings. Our first held on March 6th, 2024. In attendance was Deidra Ritchie, Executive Director for Canal Place Preservation and Development Authority, Ashli Workman, Director of Allegany County Tourism, Jim Christy, Principle with Civil Environmental and Engineering. The second meeting, held on Nov 25, 2025, included, Andy Arnold from GD&F Engineering speaking about land based amenities and Bobby Smith from the City of Cumberland.

The River Park at Canal Place will transform Cumberland’s downtown, support our growing outdoor recreation economy, and drive economic impact to the region and throughout the State of Maryland. The project is located along the North Branch of the Potomac River and will complete the North Branch Water Trail. Rivers establish a major tourism resource, providing spectacular settings, recreation facilities, a means of transport, a sense of heritage and adventure, and links with the environment and natural world. Most recently, the Office of Tourism Development (OTD), advocated that tourists want to be in, near, and around water. In fact, “River Tourism” is one of the top outdoor recreational activities investigated on OTD’s website. The project will improve water quality, advance wildlife passages, provide an exciting new downtown river experience, and increase awareness for the region as a premier outdoor recreation destination.

River Park public meeting YouTube video

Join your neighbors on a trip to the Dayton, Ohio to tour RiverScape MetroPark. The River Park at Canal Place was modeled after RiverScape MetroPark. The Dayton area has many similarities to the downtown Cumberland. Engineers working on the project recognized that RiverScape MetroPark could be a great resource. Dayton capitalized on the already existing infrastructure in the area and built RiverScape MetroPark to be a community hub for all who live, work, learn and play in downtown Dayton.

Today, the Five Rivers MetroParks system is an economic engine for Dayton and see more than 3 million visitors annually. Learn more about the MetroParks and enjoy a day at the river with us

Departure, June 5th at 6am Canal Place, 13 Canal Street Cumberland

Return Time, 12 midnight Canal Place, 13 Canal Street Cumberland

$130 pp, includes lunch. Breakfast and Dinner not included.

Click for tickets: https://business.allegany.wreckasaurus.com/ap/Events/Register/EqF5oo4tgC6C9

River Park merchandise including shirts and hoodies.

Testimonials

“If we want population growth, if we want new jobs, and if we want outside business investment, we must consider what life is like after the 9 to 5.”

Ashli Workman, Tourism Director, Allegany County

“The River Park is a top priority for Allegany County.  Not only will it be transformational for the downtown but it will continue our growing synergy around outdoor recreation.

Bill Atkinson, County Commissioner, Allegany County

“I have traveled to many river towns and it does not matter Spring, Summer and Fall there are always folks in these towns spending money and this is going to be a great thing for our city”.

Eugene Frazier , City Council Member, Cumberland

” We’ve got the data, we’ve got the science, and with this kind of support I am confident that your elected officials will make sure the resources are there to complete this project”.

Robin Summerfield , Representative for Senator Ben Cardin
Infographic about River Park project highlights.

  • Phase 1

    • Feasibility Study

    • Conceptual Plan

    • Boundary Studies

    • Hydraulic Survey

    • Mitigation Banking

    Phase 2

    • Dam Removal

    • Sediment Testing

    • Land Based Amenities

    • Parking Lot Construction

    Phase 3

    • Boating Access

    • Installation of Water Features

    • Landscape Design

    • Riverside Rail Construction

Need Info? Drop us a line or give us a call!


    Here's an alt tag for the image: Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller.

    Park Mobile now at Canal Place

    Now in use at Canal Place, Park Mobile gives you the ability to park, pay, and extend your parking session, quickly and easily right from your phone. The app, once installed, can be used in over 4,000 locations across all major cities in North America. Canal Place Train Station lot is ZONE 23889. The lot across the street is ZONE 23888. Download the Park Mobile App in the Apple or Google Play store or text PARK 77223. Set up your account. Enter your zone number. Select the amount of time you wish to park and start your session. You will receive alerts before your time expires and will have the opportunity to extend your time.