Get ready for the country’s fourth recirculating whitewater park. Montgomery Whitewater, an outdoor recreation and entertainment facility situated on the banks of the Alabama River, is set to have its Grand Opening the weekend of July 1-2, joining Maryland’s Wisp Whitewater, Oklahoma City’s River Rapids and Charlotte, N.C.’s US National Whitewater Center as the four recirculating whitewater parks in the country.
Designed as an Olympic-class venue by S20 Design & Engineering — a whitewater park firm founded by two-time Olympian and five-time World Cup champion Scott Shipley, who is fresh off a slalom win at this year’s FIBArk event on Colorado’s Arkansas River — at the park’s core is a state-of-the-art, man-made whitewater channel, created to bring whitewater rafting, paddling, outdoor activities, and entertainment to the city of Montgomery and the surrounding region. The facility sits on 120 acres and will include a variety of outdoor activities and special events. The grand opening is slated to include th Age Group Nationals for the US Canoe & Kayak Team, as well as a Shoot-out, which takes the top boat from the Team Trials in each class, battling it out for a chance to win up to $1,500.
Located at the gateway to Montgomery, the Olympic-standard whitewater and outdoor activities center is destined to create a new vibrancy in Montgomery County with a wave of tourism, economic development, and enhanced quality of life. The complex will offer rafting, kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding, while catering to beginners and experts alike, including those participating in Olympic standard competitions and swift water training rescue missions.
The project will also feature climbing areas, zip lines, ropes courses and hiking and mountain biking trails. Restaurants, retail, cabanas, and a conference center will serve as additional gathering places and entertainment events such as live music performances, festivals and camps will draw both residents and visitors.
Developed by Southern Whitewater Development Group, a consortium consisting of partners the Montgomery County Commission, the Montgomery County Community Cooperative District, the State of Alabama, Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Montgomery Water Works and Sanitary Sewar Board, Industrial Development Board, the Public Building Authority and more, the center is estimated to have an operation impact of more than $35 million annually.
“Montgomery Whitewater is the type of forward thinking, quality of life project that will grow our population base and attract new visitors, creating additional revenues and opportunities for new and existing small and minority-owned businesses,” says Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton Dean. “The Montgomery County Commission took a chance to invest in this project and more importantly into Montgomery as a whole. I love my hometown and am thrilled we are providing this for all residents and visitors alike to enjoy. We look forward to it being the destination hotspot and a deciding factor for new residents to call Montgomery home.”
Adds Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed: “It’s a milestone for Montgomery. The project can be a catalyst to transform our city and this entire region. We’re looking forward to bringing even more visitors to Alabama and the River Region.”
“As a destination for families and tourists, Montgomery Whitewater will reinforce the fact that the River Region offers a high quality of life while also acting as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth in the area,” adds Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. “This is a game-changing project for Montgomery, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds in the future.”
The park will feature two channels: an Olympic-style course capable of hosting world-caliber competitions as well as rafting operations, as well as an easier channel for novices. Both are expected to be a big draw.
For more information, visit www.montgomerywhitewater.com
FACILITY MAP AND ACTIVITIES
- Class II-IV whitewater rafting and kayaking
- Full-service restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the whitewater channels
- 40’ climbing structure offering 16 top-rope options for all skill levels
- Several bouldering options with the climbing facility
- Zip lines
- Ropes course in the trees
- Three to four miles of trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running
- Retail store onsite
- Outdoor amphitheater
- Flatwater kayaking and standup paddleboarding on the Alabama River
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https://montgomerywhitewater.com