The Hartland Dam/Gunnison River improvements, completed by MWDG, received the Medium Community – Environmental Design award. Participants were required by the APWA to submit projects demonstrating outstanding work but also winners were selected based on their exhibiting a high degree of ingenuity and significant technical, economic, and/or social impacts to the community and the public works profession. Read on…

After more than a decade of planning, construction, headaches and governmental red tape, you can now circle the day that the Chattahoochee River whitewater course flowing into downtown Columbus and Phenix City will open.

Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m.

The announcement was made Thursday morning on the newly renovated 14th Street pedestrian bridge with business, civic and political leaders from both sides of the river looking on. The opening is a week ahead of the June 1 target date.  Read more here!

Here’s an article in the local paper, featuring 2012 Freestyle World Cup Junior Champion Hunter Katich and his dad, Kyle.

As the construction phase ends here at the WaveShaper, the important tuning phase begins.  We will take measurements, gain experience with the various settings of the adjustable WaveShaper, adjust the blocks that have been constructed below the drop, and intended to be adjusted in height.  When the site is set, the crew in Columbus who will be responsible for altering waves for different uses or competitions will be confidently trained!

See the Chattahoochee WaveShaper in real time on the site webcam!

This has informed us that folks in Georgia are not only proud of the opportunity on the west side of the river. They’re investing on the eastern / Alabama side, as well. This was shared by Jack Goble, P.E., noting a quote from the president of W.C. Bradley Real Estate, during the announcement of their purchasing prime retail space at the put in to one of  the most exciting stretches of whitewater in the southeast:

“I think what whitewater does is it immediately brings people to the market,” he said. “It’s not one of these situations where you build retail and you hope people will come there. We know for a fact that thousands and thousands of people are going to come to this river to ride the rafts and kayaks and all of the other things.”

This link takes you to the continuation of the Eagle Phenix Mill Dam breach, located just above the now famous Cut Bait Channel on the river right and the WaveShaper, whose foundation is being prepared in this photo.

The Confluence Park Master Plan includes short term (0-5 year), mid-term (5-10 year), and long term (10-20 year) projects that position it as the outdoor adventure destination for downtown Denver. At the confluence of two regional trail systems that serve an expanding trail network and direct access to more than 100 miles of existing trails, the Park will continue to serve as a hub and destination for regional activity.  Continued development of Downtown, Union Station and the Highlands neighborhood put Confluence Park at the center of regional recreational and transportation connectivity.

Denver’s riverfront and beach represent iconic elements of Denver’s continuum: its first settlement, worst flood, and current and wildly applauded integration of urban and natural, residential and commercial, lifestyle and outdoor recreation.

The master planning effort intended to:

• Create a river-focused urban environment that is healthy, habitable and connected
• Create a park for urban living that reflects the history and culture of Denver
• Enhance the safety of the river corridor and the surrounding area
• Create a sense of place and community focal point that increases economic vitality
• Connect neighborhoods, public facilities, and businesses by creating local and regional links
• Improve aquatic and terrestrial habitat to sustain wildlife movement, food and shelter. 

In Phase I, MWDG has contributed the following:

• Conceptual design for whitewater course
• Conceptual design for a low flow recreational channel adjacent to whitewater course
• Hydraulic analysis and floodplain modeling
• Water quality enhancement features to meet S. Platte River standards
• Cost estimating

Phase II will begin soon. We will provide design support for the replacement of the existing ramps and design of the abutment and the whitewater drop adjacent to Shoemaker Plaza!

Rick explains, “The methodology builds upon the Layered Grouted Boulder (LGB) technique MWDG engineers developed in the 1990s.  In this new approach, the LBG armoring system provides for cost-effective reliability stable foundation.  However, the grout is kept well below the waterline and does not impede interstitial flow between the boulders that is conducive to fish passage.”

“Surface boulders are then placed in their proposed position (location, elevation and rotation) on the LGB foundation.  Holes are drilled strategically through the boulders and into bedrock at locations based upon structural needs and the geological characteristics of each boulder,  and steel rods or rock anchors are placed in the holes and grouted.  The Surface boulders are permanently “pinned” in place allowing our designs to maintain their unprecedented structural integrity while greatly enhancing fish passage and almost eliminating visible grout.”

Jack adds, acknowledging the importance of minimizing hazards, “Some grout is still used around the side and under the boulders to reduce the chance of foot and hand entrapment.”

“It is a big project at 100 yards across, larger than most we deal with, so we are also glad to have been able to complete it!   The McLaughlin team had a lot to do with the success: I always felt that Ben (Nielsen) had an open door to discuss issues, and appreciate that. Contributing to our effort to connect species we know exists above and below the dam – flannel mouth sucker, bluehead sucker and round tail chub – is very important. These populations will be able to maintain a level genetic diversity that helps them withstand changes in their environment.”

“It’s important to remember that the project solved a major safety hazard and has improved the structure that the irrigators can depend upon with confidence, in addition to helping fish.  I feel we benefited a great deal from the partnerships created by this project, and look forward to having another opportunity to work with Ben in the future.”