The U.S. National Whitewater Center on the Catawba River near Charlotte, NC secured $20 million in funding this past week, bringing the project closer to completion. Project managers now expect to break ground on the 307 acre outdoor recreation facility late this fall with completion due in the spring 2006. The park will be one of four official U.S. Olympic training centers.
“The U.S. National Whitewater Center is sure to be a focal point for the sport, especially with the backing of the USOC,” said Confluences VP of sales and marketing, Kelley Woolsey. “Accessibility is key to our sport and initiatives like this are a great way to expose the sport to people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience paddling.”
The centerpiece of the park will be the “worlds largest” artificial whitewater river with three separate channels and rapids that are adjustable from beginner through expert. The park will also provide facilities for trail running, camping, rock climbing, mountain biking, scuba diving and flat water boating. Conference centers and environmental education facilities will also be a part of the complex.
“The development of a whitewater center would be a huge step towards encouraging more people to participate in the sport of whitewater paddling by bringing the sport to an urban area, where residents traditionally would not have access to a whitewater environment,” said Mike Steck, marketing manager for Watermark. “Outdoor recreation centers like the proposed center in Charlotte will drive tourism, create jobs and help to build a strong, healthy community by encouraging tourists and residents alike to participate in outdoor activities.”
The facility is still trying to raise an additional $5 million through grants, other finance activity and a philanthropic campaign that is scheduled to start in the fall.
