LOWER LEDGE PROJECT UPDATE - ROCKPORT

[CAPTAIN ALEVE]

Ted Smethers emailed me to say that on Wednesday, 12/16/09, Malvern Mayor Steve Northcutt agreed to enter into a contract with McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group to redesign the surfing wave(s) at the Lower Ledge (Tanner Street bridge vicinity). The contract will take the design part way to completion, far enough for a full cost estimate to be made. It will also evaluate the effects at the Rockport Ledge of all the planned improvements in the river corridor. Those improvements are shown at the following link:

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/575080223ejTuRr" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Final details of the wave(s) arrangement are not known at this time so photo 1 is not accurate in that respect; that's what the design process will determine. The partial design is referred to as the "30% Design". Once the total cost of the project is known, fundraising can begin. Depending on the amount needed, Malvern may or may not hire a professional fund raising assistant.

Captain Aleve, alias Mike Coogan

[Jeremy M]

Thanks for the update Mike. And thanks to all of those who have volunteered their time to make this a reality.

[okieboater]

McLaughlin Group is very good at white water park work.

Rick McLaughlin has worked with us on the Tulsa Wave Park and proposals for a complete WW Park for years.

He has done really good work for us.

I look forward to a first class design for the Rockport Park.

[KAYAKN]

Thanks for the update Mike. And thanks to all of those who have volunteered their time to make this a reality.

2nd that!!!

[weirdwillie]

Whoooo hoooo! That's great news.

[suckhole]

What Mr. Mackey said!!!!! The tireless efforts of a few who attended meetings and spent loads of time when the water wasn't running is what paid off here. A few carried the load for the rest of us. Thanks guys.

[JTarver]

Well I don't know about everyone else, but I'm really excited about the potential of the whole project. Although I don't live directly in Malvern, I consider myself a local as I'm sure Jeremy, Jack, and many of the rest of us do. We have talked in the past about how great it would be to develop mtn. bike trails, disc golf course, etc. and keep a natural feel to the area over a developed appearance with warehouses, homes, or what have you.
What is the proposed idea for the mtn. bike trails and disc gofl course. Also, what do they mean by "botanical gardens?" Are they going to put up a structure to emcompass greenery, or redesign what is already there and have it winter over, etc?

I'm psyched about the proposal...and appreciate all the hard work so many have put into this.
Thanks everyone,

Joe