Making waves

If you’ve been in OKC any time at all, you have probably heard about MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects) and how it sparked the revolution of Oklahoma City. Everyone from Men’s Fitness and National Geographic to the New York Times have chimed in to give kudos to the community for investing in itself.

2016 is shaping up to be an exciting year for MAPS 3 projects as some are being completed (think white water rafting in downtown OKC) and others are kicking into high gear.

We are counting down the days (45 to be exact) until the opening of the RIVERSPORTS Rapids Whitewater Rafting and Kayak Center on the Oklahoma River on May 7. And apparently we’re not the only ones – expect Bricktown and all of downtown to be teeming with excitement as Olympians from across the nation gather at the site to take part in Road to Rio Tour presented by Liberty Mutual Insurance U.S. Olympic Team Trials on opening weekend.

The site is one of only six man-made whitewater courses in the country and will be powered by a total of six pumps that weigh more than 12,000 pounds each (think full-grown elephant or two great white sharks) and circulate 82,000 gallons per minute (fast enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in a mere 80 seconds). About 2,000 people will be able to raft in a single day making RIVERSPORTS Rapids one of the largest rafting facilities not only in the United States, but in the entire in the world. But don’t fret, the facility is family-friendly too, offering rafting and kayaking for all levels of users from novice to Olympic Champion.

In addition to adding fun and excitement to our community, RIVERSPORT Rapids will also help increase community safety. The center will be available for firefighter swift water rescue training, offering a controlled setting where rescuers can learn the most advanced techniques for rescuing people from fast-running water.

While you’re exploring the Boathouse District, be sure to check out the three new high-speed slides at RIVERSPORT Adventures. The word on the street is that they are tallest in the country!