Owner:
Charlotte Whitewater Park, Inc.
Charlotte, NC

Architect
Liquid Design
Charlotte, NC

General Contractor
Rogersdooley
Charlotte, NC

Materials:
583,000 SF - 36 mil Reinforced PP
583,000 SF - 12 oz Non Woven Geotextile

The U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) is the world's premier outdoor recreation and environmental learning center. Alongside mountain-biking trails, a climbing center, running trails and camping areas, the park's unique feature will be a multiple-channel, customized whitewater river for rafting and canoe/kayak enthusiasts of all abilities. The USNWC is only 10 minutes from downtown Charlotte and provides over 300 acres of woodlands along the scenic Catawba River.

Inspired by the successful Penrith Whitewater Stadium built for the 2000 Olympics and the stadium built for the 2004 Athens Games, the USNWC will be the world's only multi-channel recirculating whitewater river. The USOC has formally endorsed the center and committed to designating it an Official Olympic Training Site. The national governing body for the sport, USA Canoe and Kayak (USACK) has also designated the Center as its new home. The USNWC will host World Cup competitions, Olympic Trials and also serve as the home of international Olympic athletes working and training at the center.

The 3 whitewater channels can be modified to offer diverse levels of difficulty and excitement for kayakers, canoeists and rafters of all levels, allowing for ever-changing configurations of rapids. Multiple channels allow for different uses simultaneously, providing significant flexibility and usage opportunities. For example, firefighters from across the country will train here on lifesaving swift-water rescue skills where they will be able to control their training environment to their own specifications as well as limit the dangers involved in training.

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