Confluence Park: Denver, CO

AN URBAN RIVER TRANSFORMED

Winning the Confidence of the Community  – The McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group assured the spectacular success of this urban greenway in 1995 by lowering the regulatory flood plain—and making a large swath of land available for private investment. The centerpiece of the transformed river is a Boat Chute that provides whitewater recreation suitable for beginner and expert boaters alike.

Since the earliest efforts to reclaim the South Platte River from a place of shame into a pride-filled recreational and environmental asset, the talents of the McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group have been intrinsically involved in the creation and ongoing evolution of the Confluence Park boat chute. These talents will continue to assist our ability to ensure that the first urban white water experience in America continues to be the best.

- Jeff Shoemaker, The Greenway Foundation

A Revitalized Urban Area – Today Confluence Park is the hub of a revitalized urban area surrounded by residential lofts, sports stadiums, office buildings and shops. From the $70 million used to renew and redevelop this area of Denver, the city has benefited from an estimated nearly $10 billion in private investment.

A Wide Range of Benefits to the City – The Confluence Park Boat Chute serves the City and County of Denver in many ways:

• The floodplain was improved by one foot, which is significant by land management standards
• Drops, waves and pools are enjoyable by beginner paddlers at many water levels
• The site is a venue for events on and at the banks of the river
• Water quality has improved
• Sampling implies that the diversity of fish species has increased

Engineered to Withstand Floods – Thanks to our ability to replicate 100-year flood conditions in working scale models, Confluence Park has handled large flood events without boulder movement or the need for structural maintenance.

Services Provided – Conceptual and Preliminary Design / Physical Model / Final Design and Bid Documents / Construction Services

Visit the Greenway Foundation for more information about Confluence Park and the story of the rebirth of the South Platte River.