THIS IS NOT A WATER PARK!
{Flowing water in some form is expected at a waterpark. But it’s rare for users be so connected to it.}
Montgomery Whitewater, a 120-acre complex nestled by the banks of the historic Alabama River, a stone’s throw from downtown Montgomery, is a unique blend of a state-of-the-art whitewater center and a diverse range of outdoor activities, entertainment, special events, and retail amenities. It is a place the piques curiosity and promises a one-of-a-kind experience for all ages and abilities.
At the heart of this exceptional venue is a colossal dual-channel artificial river system that churns out Class II to Class IV whitewater, ensuring a thrilling yet safe rafting or paddling experience for guests, from beginners to seasoned paddlers and competitors.
It features two whitewater channels that cover a 22-foot elevation drop—a 1,900-ft. recreation channel for a mellower whitewater experience, and a 1,600-ft. competition-level channel that offers more excitement and high-level action.
To create the desired hydraulics, the design incorporates the patented RapidBlocs™ system—3D blocks attached to the concrete channels that form the waves, holes, drops, and eddies. These movable obstacles allow operators to customize the whitewater courses to achieve the type, shape, number, and difficulty of desired features. (This system was also used for the London, Rio, Tokyo, and Paris Olympic courses.)
The infinite adjustability allows it to serve day-to-day visitors, vital for long-term viability, while also accommodating national and Olympic-level races. In April, Montgomery Whitewater hosted the 2024 Slalom and Kayak Cross Olympic Trials, which brought thousands of people to the west Montgomery venue, generated $1.5 million economic impact, and was a source of pride for the entire capital city region.
The pump station, the heart of the water circulation system, is powered by five of the largest submersible pumps in the world that deliver a constant current of warm, clean water, capable of filling a swimming pool in 18 seconds. A cutting-edge water filtration system treats the 12 million gallons of water, while reducing water loss by 95%.
Unlike most water-based attractions, this venue was designed to serve both participants and spectators. And unlike a wave park or water-themed ride, the river’s current, and the features that give it personality, are constantly present, allowing for repeated use and skill development.
The S2O team built a 1/20-scale physical model of the whitewater channels at the Czech Technical University in Prague to test and fine tune the full-scale hydraulics. Only two other similar venues exist in the U.S.
The Power of Community-Driven Development
Montgomery Whitewater stands out as a unique public-private partnership, a pioneering model of economic development that places recreation at its core. This exceptional project is the result of an unprecedented collaboration between the Montgomery County Commission, the City of Montgomery, and the State of Alabama.
The project connects the city’s historic downtown with its thriving convention and tourism business. It has cultivated a synergistic relationship between corporate and community groups, leveraging a growing enthusiasm for river-based recreation. The facility is available for camps, team building, and even swift water rescue training for first responders.
It also marks the rebirth of a long neglected urban area, now a place where residents connect with nature while building a sense of community. Its positive impact on neighboring Maxwell Air Force Base is one of its most important benefits.
Montgomery Whitewater is creating a ripple effect in the local economy with an estimated $36 million annual impact. In 2024 it was recognized with the Project of the Year Award from Business Alabama, and Time Magazine named it one of the “World’s Greatest Places for 2024.”
Partners
- S2O Design – Calibre Engineering
- Cloward H2O
- Southern Whitewater Development Group
- Liquid Design Architecture
- Goodwin Mills Cawood
- Jesco Construction
Scott Shipley, S2O Design – Scott was the lead whitewater channel designer and engineer for Montgomery Whitewater. Scott holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology and is a Licensed Professional Engineer. He is also a 3x Olympian and 3x World Cup whitewater kayak champion, Hall of Fame inductee, and has been voted a top-ten athlete of the year by the USOC three times.
Although his competitive days are behind him, Shipley remains a dynamic force in the world of whitewater as the designer of world-class whitewater venues. His combined expertise in both whitewater and engineering design has made him the “go-to” designer for some of the world’s most high-profile projects. Shipley was lead designer of the National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, N.C., the world’s largest and most successful pump-driven whitewater course; the Lee Valley Whitewater Centre, home of the 2012 Olympics; and Riversport Rapids Whitewater Center in Oklahoma City.
Cloward H2O – Cloward provided engineering services for the pump station, upper and lower basins, river channel structural and waterproofing. It also designed the whitewater flow circulation pumping, water quality management systems, control and automation systems, as well as several specialty items such as the conveyor system, slalom gates, and obstacles within the course.
Southern Whitewater Development Group – Montgomery Whitewater’s developer and operator, Southern Whitewater Development Group was a partnership created to blend project funding, delivery, and management into one team. SWDG contracted with the City to develop, design, deliver, and manage the project.
Liquid Design Architecture – Liquid Design were the architects on the project responsible for creating all of the vertical structures on the site. The most significant of these was the main building with restaurant seating for more than 200 people, conference, retail, point-of-sale, and office space.
Goodwin Mills Cawood – As civil engineer for the project, Goodwin Mills Cawood delivered all Civil and Landscape Architecture including everything from site grading and infrastructure, to planting plans.
Jesco Construction – Jesco was the prime contractor on the project. This talented firm built the project from the ground up and served as the lead contractor for all concrete work, site work, vertical construction, and mechanical facilities.