Work is under way at the Kayak Park

[paddledog]

Getting started on the downstream rise that will raise the level of the water around the bottom feature.

[rugger]

I haven't been keeping up with everything that's going on do to a never ending "honey do" list.
Do they have an ETA of the reopening?

[kru1]

They claim (or at least did before the park closed) 7-10 days, but we all know how that goes.

kru

[rugger]

Very true...I appreciate it

[paddledog]

The main reason for the reworking of the second feature at the Park is safety. Both boats and people have taken a beating when in the wrong place right below the wave. We cut off 75% of the flow, inspected and found the culprit. Bedrock slab stone below the wave, sticking up and in the way. Starting around noon, the excavator started pounding and scraping. Continuing the rest of that day and a couple hours the next, they were able to remove around 10 yards of material from directly below the wave forming concrete slab.
I told them I wanted to "lay hands" on the area to be able to report the wave had been cleared. Using the bucket to block flow, and a rope for control, I walked the area below the wave and found no anomalies that caused any concern. The area was relatively flat with only loose material that should have washed away when the flow was returned. Although nothing is 100%, I consider that area as obstruction free as possible.
Work is continuing on a couple other projects. The largest is the stone 'rise' at the bottom of the park to raise the level in the bottom pool.
If you are in the area and would like to see the progress, you can park on the road North of the bridge and walk in to the park. Stay up high on the bank, and do not get near the river. Although most of the work is being accessed from the South side (river left) bank, be on the watch for any construction traffic and be ready to get out. Do not enter the field South of the bridge as there is heavy equipment and material delivery using that area.

[magicmike]

Steve- quit going for a swim , and get our surf spot back bro!-M-

[mgood]

Steve- thanks for the update. That slab was bad news bears- glad to hear it's no longer a problem. Your help with this is much appreciated.

[aaron038]

Is it open yet?

[paddledog]

Nope, soon.......

[paddledog]

As of right now here is the schedule,

Today (Friday) a final walk through inspection.
Tomorrow a few final details that will include pouring some cement/grout near waters edge. No boaters to minimize the chance of splashing the grout.
SUNDAY = FUNDAY...... park opens at daylight.....

I had every intention of throwing some sort of welcome back shindig,
but I have a pile o'stuff to catch up on, plus a Columbus day trip to get working on.

So here is what I would propose........

The world's first White Water Tailgating Party.......
Why should all the other sports have this tradition and leave us out?
Bring your tailgating supplies, set up and share with other like minded individuals...
Adult beverages are against park regulations.
(the park property ends at the waters edge)
Non paddlers should be at a minimum due to the closing.

It should be great weather and a good time on the river......

[RobM]

Thanks Steve, for all the work & keeping us all informed. Great job!

[paddledog]

Slight edit of post. I will be meeting a parks employee at the gates at 8 am. If you were going to paddle before 8 am on Sunday you are more die hard than me.....C ya there........

[magicmike]

Secret Agent Steve- YOU DA' MAN!!! Thanks for all of the hands on help you have provided for this park to make it as user friendly as possible. -M-

[paddledog]

SILOAM SPRINGS WHITE WATER PARK.........UPDATE.....

Wow. That is all I have to say is wow......
I don't know how many of you have had the "privilege" of dealing with small town politics, but it is about to make me pull my hair out....
There is no reason to elaborate the crap I have been dealing with except to say my grandfather was right when he told me "you can't fight city hall".

The end result is for our own safety......
The park will be closed Sunday except for a two hour window that only boaters will be able to enter the park. Between 1 and 3 pm.
The park will be closed for up to 5 more days next week for clean up and landscaping......
I have no comment.

Well, I am speaking only for myself here.
I have been paddling at that location for over 20 years.
I am going to enjoy the new features at Da Ford.
I am going out around noon,
I will park on the south side of the bridge.
I will not block traffic either on the road or river access on the upstream side of the bridge.
I will enjoy the features of my public river.
As I plan to be there for more than the allowed window of opportunity,
I will paddle back to the bridge when I am done.

I apologize for the confusion.
I edited this post rather than creating a new one in the hopes everyone who liked or commented would get an update.
Does anyone else want this job?