Thanks for the pics. However, is there anymore of the drone footage that goes over the entire site?

Also, once this is finished, can we expect any additional attractions of meaning (not like a Starbucks) that will continue to fill in this area around the river? It seems to me that perhaps the land available immediately around here may be running a little sparse, is that off base?
I'm just thinking on how OKC and developers will continue to capitalize off this area and continue adding attractions.

So far developers haven't capitalized. I think they want hotel there on Byers.

Inside the pump room... Check out the size of that equipment (that's what she said):

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/whitewater012616.jpg

I should have some better ones soon, they are going balls to the wall out there right now!

Baaa dum pssh.

Inside the pump room... Check out the size of that equipment (that's what she said):

Any idea if that is the return or pressure piping? I'm guessing based on the valving that it is pressure piping. I'm surprised they are using ABS piping. I wonder what pressure they are running at.

/mechanical engineer

Any idea if that is the return or pressure piping? I'm guessing based on the valving that it is pressure piping. I'm surprised they are using ABS piping. I wonder what pressure they are running at.

/mechanical engineer

It's not ABS, it's SCH80 PVC. The below floor piping is fusible HDPE stubbed up through the floor where it connects to the SCH80 with a flange connection.

it's not abs, it's sch80 pvc. The below floor piping is fusible hdpe stubbed up through the floor where it connects to the sch80 with a flange connection.

huh? :)

It's not ABS, it's SCH80 PVC. The below floor piping is fusible HDPE stubbed up through the floor where it connects to the SCH80 with a flange connection.

Thanks. I was originally thinking PVC, then thought it must be ABS due to the color. Everything I do is metal, so it is just surprised to me to see they are going with plastic. Not that there is anything wrong with it, I just haven't seen it used in an application like that. Any idea what pressure/flowrates they are running?

I am sure using the fusible HDPE subgrade is probably more reliable with less maintenance over the long run, plus cheaper to start with.

Thanks. I was originally thinking PVC, then thought it must be ABS due to the color. Everything I do is metal, so it is just surprised to me to see they are going with plastic. Not that there is anything wrong with it, I just haven't seen it used in an application like that. Any idea what pressure/flowrates they are running?

I am sure using the fusible HDPE subgrade is probably more reliable with less maintenance over the long run, plus cheaper to start with.

May not be exactly what you mean by pressure/flowrates but is what I found with a search on their site.

– Each pump circulates 82,000 gallons per minute
– Powered by a total of six pumps that weigh over 12,000 lbs each a total of 492,000 gallons per minute. With these pumps, it would take 80 seconds to fill an Olympic size swimming pool
... items not related to the pumps
– 23 feet in elevation change (my note: this is different than the 19.5 foot height difference between the surface of the bottom pool and surface of the upper pool)

I noticed a year pass for the whitewater facility is currently going for around $175. Do you guys think that will go up as we get closer to completion? I'd hate to buy it now only to find myself drowning the first time I use it and never going back. Also thinking of getting one for my dad who is 59. Not sure how technical it will be.

Some recent photos:



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ww020316a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ww020316b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ww020316c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ww020316d.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ww020316e.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ww020316f.jpg

I'm wondering what the smaller angled metal poles are for around the course ? Anyone know ?

I'm wondering what the smaller angled metal poles are for around the course ? Anyone know ?

Maybe a netting or fencing?

Maybe a netting or fencing?

Looking at the top left picture they could be the supports for the walkway railings ?

I'm wondering what the smaller angled metal poles are for around the course ? Anyone know ?

Possibly for the wiring across the course to hang slalom gates from.

The support building is really huge in the context of other buildings in that area.

Maybe a netting or fencing?


Looking at the top left picture they could be the supports for the walkway railings ?


Possibly for the wiring across the course to hang slalom gates from.

Probably a safe bet to assume they will be for wind screens, perhaps? That's the first thing that came to my mind.
Or maybe they will be part of a platform or wall for lifeguards (or the equivalent of what they'll have here), although I think the former is most likely.

Doubt there will be wind screens. Slalom competitions require a system of gates in the middle of the course hanging from wires, that can be easily moved. Here's a shot of the Charlotte whitewater course with gates hanging.12187

Probably a safe bet to assume they will be for wind screens, perhaps? That's the first thing that came to my mind.
Or maybe they will be part of a platform or wall for lifeguards (or the equivalent of what they'll have here), although I think the former is most likely.

This type of kayak is not nearly as affected by wind as the flat water race ones on the Oklahoma river course. If I was a betting man I would put money that they are for the competition gates.

They fill this in two weeks

From Whitewater Rafting in OKC | Boathouse District (http://boathousedistrict.org/whitewater/) :


RIVERSPORT RAPIDS
OPENING MAY 7-8, 2016

Imagine a Saturday morning spent whitewater rafting with your family in the Boathouse District. Or kayaking down an Olympic style slalom course. Then break out your paddle board as you ride the waves in the surf pool or watch the playboaters doing flips and airborne twists. It will all become a reality when Oklahoma City’s $45.2 million whitewater rafting and kayaking center – RIVERSPORT Rapids – is completed in May! The center will be a state-of-the-art aquatic adventure facility – one of only a few in the world. Geared for both family fun and elite athlete training, the 11-acre whitewater center will be adjacent to the Oklahoma River and will be completed as part of MAPS 3, the one-cent sales tax initiative dedicated to metro area projects.

Join us for a Spectacular Opening Weekend

Meet Olympic athletes and try out your favorite sports at Team USA’S interactive Road To Rio Tour presented by Liberty Mutual Insurance. Cheer on America’s top whitewater athletes racing in 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials–Canoe/Kayak Slalom on the whitewater channels and watch USRowing’s Central District Youth Rowing Championships on the Oklahoma River. Add live music, great food, fireworks – and, of course, whitewater rafting – for a spectacular weekend! Admission is free, so make plans now to join us.

NOW HIRING RAFT GUIDES!

Looking for a great summer job? RIVERSPORT Rapids is now hiring raft guides for the inaugural 2016 season! Learn from our professional instructors over an intensive six-day course on the state-of-the-art whitewater channels at RIVERSPORT Rapids. Sign up for Raft Guide School to have the best summer ever!

So the indoor surfing thing is still a go?

So the indoor surfing thing is still a go?

I think they may be talking about the thing at the base of the pump house

The surf thing will be very different than what was originally proposed for the other location.

This will be for kayakers and paddle boards, not people on surfboards.

so the US Olympic trials ARE being held here for whitewater?

^

Yes.

Whitewater Rafting Center to open May 7 | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/whitewater-rafting-center-to-open-may-7/article/5480783)


"You will never find a better weekend to experience all that the Boathouse District has to offer," said Mike Knopp, the executive director of the OKC Boathouse Foundation. "You'll get a taste of what the Olympics in Rio are all about, see the nation's top whitewater slalom athletes in action, watch rowing on the Oklahoma River and enjoy live music, great food and, of course, fireworks."
The grand opening event will feature Team USA's Road to Rio Tour presented by Liberty Mutual Insurance. The interactive tour will give fans a chance to experience the spirit of the Olympic Games, try their hand at some of the sports and meet Team USA athletes. Oklahoma City is one of only six stops on Team USA's nation-wide tour. On Saturday evening, a live concert will be staged in the whitewater center followed by fireworks.

We usually get a couple of season passes to all the river adventures. We're trying to decide if we should go for it again this year or not? Concern being, with the new higher pass cost, whether or not the rafting will be packed and we won't get our biggest bang for our buck. What's always worked in years past is that I can go anytime I want during the week and avoid weekends. The wife always gets a weekday off with her 10 hour day schedule so she can go once a week too - non weekend. I don't want to buy a pass but every time I go its a huge wait. But, I have no idea how quickly they can get people on/off the water. I know lines can become an issue with the other river adventures.

Are there any recent aerial pictures of the entire site?

Huge additions this year for RIVERSPORT Adventure Park with whitewater, giant new slides, and the new pavilion - the slides now don't require a harness with the new spiral stairway which will help with the lines.

122911229312294

Interesting slide....freefall for 20' into a pit?

The North Canadian River (7 mile stretch renamed, Oklahoma River) continues to transform into what could become a tourist oasis. To think that we use to mow this river 3 times a year speaks highly of its development.

Once the City strikes a deal with the Chickasaw tribe to develop the AICCM on the south banks, there's no telling what we might see this area look like in next ten years.

Huge additions this year for RIVERSPORT Adventure Park with whitewater, giant new slides, and the new pavilion - the slides now don't require a harness with the new spiral stairway which will help with the lines.

122911229312294

That looks terrifying! It will be pitch black and what if you get stuck inside? Do you slide down on a burlap sack?

That looks terrifying! It will be pitch black and what if you get stuck inside? Do you slide down on a burlap sack?

:biggrin: ...or a body bag...

The North Canadian River (7 mile stretch renamed, Oklahoma River) continues to transform into what could become a tourist oasis. To think that we use to mow this river 3 times a year speaks highly of its development.

Once the City strikes a deal with the Chickasaw tribe to develop the AICCM on the south banks, there's no telling what we might see this area look like in next ten years.

I still think there should be a 700 feet tall gaudy oil derrick that shoots water out the top… Talk about a tourist oasis and a unique area for all to visit and enjoy.

*Hides underneath desk waiting for things to be thrown in my general direction*

:biggrin: ...or a body bag...

Actually you are in custom designed toboggan mats and you will go about 22mph. It is still under construction and opens spring break.

Actually you are in custom designed toboggan mats and you will go about 22mph. It is still under construction and opens spring break.

My grandchildren will love it. As for me, my last roller coaster ride was as though my life flashed before me--didn't think the damn thing would ever stop for me to catch my breath--nearly laughed myself to death. Now, just imagine an experience like this with me falling into water. They would have to administer Extreme Unction (Final Anointing) and ship me right to the mortuary.

You youngsters, have fun. I'll simply watch the progress of this experiment.

That looks terrifying! It will be pitch black and what if you get stuck inside? Do you slide down on a burlap sack?

I did it a few years ago you sit on a mat that has sides that come up to protect your arms and handles inside the mat to prevent you from touching the sides. You go careening down the slide over 20 mph. They even tell you not to touch the sides or attempt to slow down if you do not abide by the rules you will be injured. The slides can remove pieces of skin. If you decide to put out a limb to slow you down then you do take enhance your risk for more serious injuries. When you reach the end of the slide it ramps up and slows you down I made it to the end one time. I had so much fun I climbed up went down I did the slide like 6 times in row it was so much fun the staff suggested I take a break. LOL You do sign a waiver that releases them from accidents. You slide and do the trail or the zip line at your own risk.

i like the oil derrick monument.

I still think there should be a 700 feet tall gaudy oil derrick that shoots water out the top… Talk about a tourist oasis and a unique area for all to visit and enjoy.

*Hides underneath desk waiting for things to be thrown in my general direction*

Perfect. There's an oil derrick in the middle of the Arkansas River near Ralston but it hasn't seemed to do much for that area.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Unnamed+Rd,+Ralston,+OK+74650/@36.457559,-96.9442143,909m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x87b0fcddf367b45b:0xb34ad 059ff082eae

Shan Gray may still be looking for funding and a home for The American too.

The city released another construction update

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVepBMGSwH8

i like the oil derrick monument.

Forgive the break :ot:

An 1100 ft Oklahoma City Energy Tower would be taller than the 986 feet Eiffel Tower.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGiJ0JWaOm0

Would be unique to have a modern oil derrick tower; similar to this with an observation deck and restaurant atop & midway. Something attractive to light up the skyline to commemorate the more than 1000 structures that once blanketed our skyline in the 1950s & 60s. Do we want to copy the Seattle Space Needle or Dallas Reunion Tower; better to have a unique tower of our own. Not exactly as what's pictured in the video.

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000B3X2wY9NonE/s/860/860/Oil-Derricks-Circa-1953.jpg
This photo present a scene in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma of oil derricks as they appeared in the early 1950s.--Filename: Oil Derricks, Circa 1953 - Copyright Harold R. Hungerford, PhD

No, thank you.

No, thank you.

Agreed

Please God can we not emphasize our state history with an oil Derrick next to the hi-way? I understand it's our most prominent historical context behind exploiting Indians, race riots, political and economic corruptions. But can't it be anything but? How about flying farmers??

And considering the architectural identity of Boathouse Row is modern-Rand Elliott style, an oil derrick seems like a poor fit. Also, not a fan of the idea.

Forgive the break :ot:

An 1100 ft Oklahoma City Energy Tower would be taller than the 986 feet Eiffel Tower.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGiJ0JWaOm0

Would be unique to have a modern oil derrick tower; similar to this with an observation deck and restaurant atop & midway. Something attractive to light up the skyline to commemorate the more than 1000 structures that once blanketed our skyline in the 1950s & 60s. Do we want to copy the Seattle Space Needle or Dallas Reunion Tower; better to have a unique tower of our own. Not exactly as what's pictured in the video.

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000B3X2wY9NonE/s/860/860/Oil-Derricks-Circa-1953.jpg
This photo present a scene in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma of oil derricks as they appeared in the early 1950s.--Filename: Oil Derricks, Circa 1953 - Copyright Harold R. Hungerford, PhD

With that video being posted in 2008 and that guy being out of office by 2010, can we pretty much assume that project is dead?

The idea of the Energy Tower to stretch across the river was presented back in 2008 as Snowman mentioned following the the arrival of our NBA Thunder. It's time we begin to prepare for our future. Didn't mean to disrupt this thread by getting off topic.

:backtotop

Definitely looking forward to the completion & opening of the River Sports Rapids Whitewater facility--it will attract its share of tourist near the I-35/I-40 Dallas Junction. The area could really be transform into a tourist mecca with the Boathouse District and the AICCM once we build around & expand this area--much like the development of Bricktown with the canal. Would be great if we could add some kind of vertical monument or structure to anchor the area. We will need to build a road or bridge to connect the north & south banks of the river for easy access.

We're headed in the right direction.

I hear they are filling it up!

Potentially stupid question warning. Are they using river water to fill it, or will the course have its own water system separate of the river? Does it need to be purified or filtered for the pump equipment?

I don't know but the water in the picture is blue, so it definitely isn't the river water.

It's city water, like what comes from your tap. Might be regularly topped off using wells. That is the configuration on the Bricktown canal. A key difference is that I think the whitewater facility will be chlorinated and treated like a pool. The canal is only circulated and filtered, not chemically treated. It has no connection whatsoever with the river besides proximity.

It's city water, like what comes from your tap. Might be regularly topped off using wells. That is the configuration on the Bricktown canal. A key difference is that I think the whitewater facility will be chlorinated and treated like a pool. The canal is only circulated and filtered, not chemically treated. It has no connection whatsoever with the river besides proximity.

Cool. I figured it might be chlorinated and separate but wasn't sure. Thanks!

Apparently the water is coming from Lake Draper according to KFOR.

^^^^^^
From the tap. Originated in Draper.

^^^^^^
From the tap. Originated in Draper.

IMO a better source than Lake Hefner.

From today.

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Oh yea, earlier today they also released some photos of the start of filling it.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cd16Qm4UMAAChXa.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cd16RoRUkAAfVsa.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cd16SXhUMAAO3bF.jpg

Once I get a chance to stitch the video, I'll throw it up here. But here's an overview picture in the meantime.

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