Channel Your Inner Adventurer

For two decades, Oklahoma City has enjoyed a renewal, due in part to the Metropolitan Area Projects known as MAPS. The program has enabled city leaders to finance urban improvement projects. One such project, for the current iteration of the MAPS program, is a whitewater adventure center on the Oklahoma River. This $45.2 million rafting and kayaking center, named RIVERSPORT Rapids, will be one of only a few like it in the world.

Construction of the state-of-the-art aquatic center is underway near the Boathouse District. Once complete, RIVERSPORT Rapids will offer rafting, canoeing, and kayaking for all skill levels. It is part of an overall plan to make improvements along the Oklahoma River.

It is now taking shape with the installation of starting and lane-marking systems along the Oklahoma River. Racecourse lighting will benefit patrons on those hot summer nights on the water. The improvements even take Oklahoma’s winds into consideration by designing the course with windscreens.

The Oklahoma River is already known as a premiere venue for rowing and kayaking events. In fact, it serves as a training course for U.S. Olympian hopefuls. Not only will RIVERSPORT Rapids appeal to local families, but it is expected to attract visitors from far and wide.

RIVERSPORT Rapids will cover 11 acres, and progress can already be seen along I-40 near Lincoln Boulevard, just southeast of Bricktown.

“The whitewater facility is just one of the projects we’re doing down there. It is well under construction; probably ten to fifteen percent completed,” says Todd.

While the whitewater course is expected to give already established rowers and kayakers a
challenge, not everyone will be left out of the experience. “Younger kids, older people who are not necessarily able to paddle a bunch, will be able to enjoy the whitewater on a raft,” Todd adds.

Two channels are being built into the RIVERSPORT Rapids: a competition channel and a recreational channel. The facility is being built in such a way that those who don’t want to get into the water can still enjoy the day with family and friends.

“You can pretty much just walk along with them as they go down the rapids. It is not where you have to sit in one place and use binoculars to see them at the far end. It is very accessible for the visitors and the observers,” says Todd.

The whitewater facility has a practical purpose as well. Todd says that firefighters and other emergency responders will be able to train for swift water rescues.

“What they could do is when the pumps are off, the water’s not flowing, they can put a car down there with a crane and secure it. Then, turn the water on so they get a situation as if a car falls in a river or drainage canal. They can practice tying off and doing those rescues.”

The location of the whitewater facility is also unusual in that it is next to the “flat water”
rowing on the Oklahoma River, an interesting juxtaposition of adventure and tranquility.

Despite the construction, currently scheduled events on the Oklahoma River won’t be interrupted. Barring any significant weather delays, the RIVERSPORT Rapids facility is expected to be complete by the beginning of 2016, with the grand opening to the public to take place that spring.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt that people from all over the region will be coming here to experience it.”

For more information, and to view a virtual tour of the project, visit boathousedistric.org/whitewater.