Progress on Fisher's Ford Park - OPEN

[tomOzarkVideo]

Itching for some more pics!

I'd go myself, but there's 600 miles of pavement to contend with.

[paddledog]

I am going to Siloam this morning to meet with the parks guys.
I will stop off at the ford for an update.....

[paddledog]

Ok, I begged off on the meeting to go
paddling...Mulberry at 6 ft took precedence.
Update soon.....

[tomOzarkVideo]

Ok, I begged off on the meeting to go
paddling...Mulberry at 6 ft took precedence.
Update soon.....

Agreed.. Missing out again in TX.

[mgood]

Any new? I meant to go out there last weekend but got preoccupied.

[paddledog]

Any new? I meant to go out there last weekend but got preoccupied.

Been a bit preoccupied myself. I have some new pics I will up load this eve.
Pouring concrete on the second wave today. I will keep you updated.
We could be less than two weeks from testing and final approval of the new waves.

At that time the park will be "open" on a limited basis. The wave and river will be open
for paddling, however the entire river right side will be closed, including access from the
north side of the bridge. It will be just like it was for years before the land changed
hands. Access the bridge, float down, paddle like hell, walk back up IN THE RIVER BED
and drive away tired.
This is going to be great...............

[paddledog]

A few pics from pouring the grout on the wing walls today.....

[Shep]

Steve, do you know how they are going to progress from here? Do they have to disassemble the construction walls that are keeping it dry now, then build a whole new one where the water is currently flowing to finish the river-right wing wall? Or is it possible that once the concrete dries, pools are dug to the right depth, and wing walls are grouted that will be it?

Thanks,
Paul

[magicmike]

It's gonna be great! Can't wait. Thanks for the updates and pix Steve.-M-

[paddledog]

Steve, do you know how they are going to progress from here? Do they have to disassemble the construction walls that are keeping it dry now, then build a whole new one where the water is currently flowing to finish the river-right wing wall? Or is it possible that once the concrete dries, pools are dug to the right depth, and wing walls are grouted that will be it?

Thanks,
Paul

Paul, you nailed it on the first guess. They will finish the river left/wave portion,
Then move the coffer dams to begin on the river right/park side. This will leave us
the waves to use this winter while they finish the dry portion.
Construction is technically two weeks behind schedule due to weather. Projected
finish was to be the first of the year, so with no further weather delays (yeah right),
park opening should be mid January.
A Grand Opening is loosely planned to coordinate with the Siloam Springs spring festival.

[Shep]

Of course... once you reminded me of the bank improvements on river right, it makes sense that they can do that all with a construction wall that stays up till the project is finished. Can't wait to go check out the features in a few weeks!

[paddledog]

It has been a while since I have updated the progress.
The construction crew has been working hard everyday that the river would let them.
Now even with the 32 degree day and wind chill dropping fast, they are still working.

Now for the info on the waves......
All the water has been pushed to the river left side of the construction zone.
This does put the water through the "wave" channels. With that being said, technically
the waves are open. However, they are not ready for prime time.

Wave 1. The upstream wave. It is clear and safe, but it still needs some tweaking before
it will be a "surf" wave. It is still green and doesn't fall back on itself.

Wave 2. DANGER... This wave looks good, but hides concrete and half jack hammered stone
just below the water. (Zoom in on the above pic) DO NOT ATTEMPT to play on this wave.
The pics from today are at 650 CFS so they cover some hidden stuff.

With all of this being said, the construction crew will be leaving next Tuesday through the holiday
weekend and all construction will be stopped until Monday morning. If you chose to go there here are
a few pointers.

1. Park on the South side of the bridge. Do not block road as locals drive four wheelers and such across bridge
and 59 campground is still using the south side for launching.

2. Launch your boat at the bridge. Do not walk down the private property on River Left bank.
Float staying to the left of river center.

3. When done, walk your boat back up the river channel on the river left side. Do not cross private property.

AGAIN, do not play the downstream #2 wave. No matter how good it looks, it ain't worth it.....

[okieboater]

Thanks Steve,

Things are looking good over there.

Going to be a great fun spot for area boaters.

[cpresoz]

It's looking awesome. Thanks Steve for the updates.

[mgood]

Steve,

I am revealing my ignorance of concrete and half jack hammered stone, but what exactly is the reason for not surfing on the second feature? Concrete and half jack hammered stone sounds like any other rock I may hit my head while paddling. Just wanted to know if it's a foot entrapment hazard, has rebar, or something else that is especially dangerous which really is a big hazard, or if it is just sharp rock/concrete.

I'm not exactly looking to go out there tomorrow or anything (its just too cold), but wanted to understand what you were saying. Your updates are awesome.

Thanks,

MG