Progress on Fisher's Ford Park - OPEN

[Ben Rodda]

Thanks so much for posting pictures....

So in your opinion does this represent the final product? Its always tough to tell from photos and water levels and so on but this looks super.... Boring. I may get flamed for saying that and it maybe premature. But since the engineers are on hand with the equpipment there we might as well make sure we get it exactly how we want it. And again maybe the folks here are not looking for a dynamic retentive type feature that will give up loops and such. But to me its just not looking steep enough in the green water for anything like that and there is virtually no pile. Sorry if my comments are out of line.

[paddledog]

Sorry if my comments are out of line.

No worries, well worded, non inflammatory opinions are welcome.
To answer your question, the waves will be "tuned" later.
This is not the final product.
Unfortunately, the way the schedule came around it will one
of the last things they do. January probably.

[Ben Rodda]

I am not so sure about "well worded". Perhaps more like rambling and barely coherent!

Anyway I am really happy to hear that there will be some tuning later. Like I said I dont want be to premature in my comments. At the same time I dont want to regret not having said them either. I would just love to have a park and play feature that is dynamic enough to give up loop based maneuvers. Since there will be two features perhaps this request is reasonable.

I am glad you are on hand to check up on it all, post pictures, and all of that. Keep it up.

[tomOzarkVideo]

Any word on the 2nd feature's debris situation?

[TRL]

I went out to the Park today and took these.... It is looking good!

[BMuu]

Looks BEAUTIFUL!

[panicman]

So, is that level the standard flow most of the time? and I'm assuming it will be larger and more dynamic at higher levels when it rains.

[paddledog]

So, is that level the standard flow most of the time? and I'm assuming it will be larger and more dynamic at higher levels when it rains.

That is slightly higher than Summer static level.
The waves will be tweaked to be better at 200-300 cfs
Then it will only be better and bigger at higher flows....

[tomOzarkVideo]

TRL's pics are ~ 3.5' It rose to 11' after the rain on and has just fallen to roughly the same level as the above pics today.

It will spend much of the summer months between 3.5 and 2.25.. The hole feature below the wave (still a junkyard at this point) should be great at minimum flow.

We played there for a few min on Saturday and I must say, it's going to be impressive and lots of fun.

[tomOzarkVideo]

Top wave: Dec 28th @ 3.7'

[magicmike]

What's up at the Ford? I hear it's blocked off again. I guess I need the Face Books.-M-

[cpresoz]

What's up at the Ford? I hear it's blocked off again. I guess I need the Face Books.-M-

You do, MIke. Jon Kennedy posted a video. They're moving the dam sections. Got a big trackhoe sitting in the middle of the drops.

[tomOzarkVideo]

Any word on this weekend? I'd like to head out on sunday (Jan 26th) for a look/surf if possible.

[CityofSiloamSprings]

Looking for feedback from the paddling community...the City is considering hosting a BIG grand opening during a weekend in May. We know that the Siloam Springs Whitewater Recreational Park (yes, that's the official name) will be utilized well before this, but we'd like to garner some attention and spotlight before summer vacations start. One thing we'd love is to have some paddlers on the river playing in the rapids and showing off some moves. (please forgive me if I sound ignorant about paddling).
What do y'all think? Good idea? Would you be willing to help publicize the event?

[CityofSiloamSprings]

By the way- this is Holland Hayden, the Communication Director for the City of Siloam Springs and I can be reached directly at 479-238-0940 or hhayden@siloamsprings.com
I'd also like to feedback regarding the marketing of the park to seasoned paddlers.