Grand Opening of the new WW park - CANCELED

[paddledog]

So is there still a 'Grand' opening the 28th, separate from the 'soft' [Media Day] opening?

Yes, there are two different events.

[paddledog]

The NW chapter meeting is this coming Monday,
show up to discuss the Grand Opening day festivities.

These are some of the items we will be discussing.
Getting instructors to help with the demo day.
Getting helpers to watch for trouble on the water.
(we WILL NOT be life guards! but we can be there
to help if needed.)
Getting helpers to run the NWA ACC booth.
Discussing a "member appreciation" cook out that Saturday evening.

We are going to be a big part of a big celebration.
This is going to be the time to represent.

[David L]

Is media day still a go for tomorrow? Do we need paddlers there?

[Mike_P]

David see this thread:
http://forums.arkansascanoeclub.com/vie ... =1&t=25967" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[paddledog]

David see this thread:
http://forums.arkansascanoeclub.com/vie ... =1&t=25967" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks Mike,
It is still on,
Gonna be a good one......

[paddledog]

Grand Opening of Whitewater park

Ok, so the time is fast approaching to give a big kick off to the new facility.

The North West chapter of the ACC is going to host a big party for the grand opening.

This will be the time for the paddling community to show the public what we are all about.

I have spent more than the average persons amount of time at the park.

While there, I get approached often with questions.

These are some of the most common ones:
What type of boat do I need?
Where do I get them?
How can I learn to do this?
Did he mean to turn over?

In an effort to answer these and other questions, we are planning to host a "learn with an expert" booth at the grand opening.

This will be happen from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

I need commitments from folks for times they can help.

First we need booth personnel.
Greeters – someone who will greet folks and give them information on the ACC, ACA and the happening at the park. Additional duties will be to help people sign up for the ACC with
a laptop that will be there.
Outfitters – We need people to help the newbies get outfitted with boat, skirt, pfd and boat.

Next we need the help of certified paddling instructors.
We will assign 2 or 3 "students" to each instructor. Take the students out in the flat water above the waves and show them the basics. Just let them paddle around and get comfortable. I would assume these lessons to last from 15 to 20 min. each. IF the instructor decides the students can handle the waves, you may run them down through the park for the final. Grab up the boats and bring them back up for the next set of students. I hope we can have enough instructors turn out that each instructor would only have to do this for an hour or so.

Also we will need "safety" posted throughout the park.
We are NOT lifeguards for the park. But with the actives planned it would be a good idea to have a few strong swimmers posted throughout the park while the instructors are giving lessons.

If you volunteer and something comes up where you can't be there, please let us know asap as I am presenting this to the park officials and it will be advertised to the public.

NOW FOR THE GOOD PART...................

Because so many people will be coming from all over the state and surrounding areas I am opening up my field for camping. I have about an acre mowed and if more is needed I can mow more. This is a low lying field that is always 4-5 degrees cooler than the surrounding area. I will open this for camping on Friday and Saturday. I am about 25 min from the park and we can group up and carpool to the park on Saturday.
When the festivities conclude on Saturday at the park, the Northwest chapter would like to invite all members and friends to a cook out for Saturday night. We will have a few folks take off early from the park and get everything ready to feed the paddlers . Even if you don't want to stay the night, please come eat with us. However, bring a tent and bag with you as nobody needs to leave after partaking of adult beverages.
I am working on getting a "log of interest" but because I do have a couple neighbors, propane and fireworks will be prohibited.

Anyone volunteering to help at the booth or with the newbies at the park will move to the head of the line at chow time.

Because we need to match the food purchases with attendance we are asking that you let us know if you plan to camp/eat.
I have set up a "poll" at this address –
http://forums.arkansascanoeclub.com/vie ... =1&t=26032" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

please click on yes if you plan on camping/eating.

We can all get together and rally back over to the park on Sunday for those who just didn't get enough.


This is a new style function for us so let us know your thoughts.
Post back here if you have any questions or comments.

This post is long enough so I will start a new one with the schedule for the celebration.

[cpresoz]

I may be repeating this link posted by others, but here is another: http://www.nwacouncil.org/news/2014/jun ... ialToaster" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[paddledog]

This is nice,
http://www.siloamsprings.com/_pdfs/Libr ... 20Park.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Joe Purdy]

Just got word on Channel 5 from the City of Siloam Springs, announcing the cancellation of the grand opening out of respect for the family of the boy who died in the river. How is this going to affect the ACC get together on this date?

[paddledog]

All plans are off.
Thanks for the effort.
Steve

[unicorn]

It's my vote that we still hold the rodeo portion. It helps to separate us from the city, and shows that the boaters are still utilizing the park in a safe and responsible manner.

Thoughts?

[kru1]

It's my vote that we still hold the rodeo portion. It helps to separate us from the city, and shows that the boaters are still utilizing the park in a safe and responsible manner.

Thoughts?

We can not hold the rodeo without the support of the city to police the tubers/swimmers.

kru

[summerbee]

@ Steve,
THANKS for your effort.
Unfortunate things happen despite the best intentions of all.

[Joe Purdy]

There is no reason a large group of "independent adventurers" couldn't show up with kayaks all at the same time on the 28th and take over the waves. The tubers and free swimmers would have to yield to us if we dominate the place.
Just because the city is backing down on this doesn't mean we have to. Besides, nobody could really stop you anyway.

[magicmike]

I'll probably go out early on the 28th, just to represent and have fun until it gets to crazy later in the day.-M-