Pocket Wave 2.0 Maintenance Project - Updated Timeline and Next Steps - 8/7/25

Dear Buena Vista River Community,

Here are some important updates on the Pocket Wave 2.0 Maintenance Project at the Buena Vista River Park.

Originally scheduled for 2023, construction has been rescheduled to begin in mid-August 2025, with in-river work starting as early as water levels allow. This shift has allowed the Town of Buena Vista and our partners more time to refine the design based on community feedback and to better serve a wider range of river users.Image Caption: View of the Arkansas River in Buena Vista with construction equipment and large white sandbags staged along the riverbank for the Pocket Wave 2.0 maintenance project. Trees and boulders line the river under a partly cloudy sky.

Project Timeline & Area Impacts

● Construction Start: August 18, 2025

● Estimated Completion: Early October 2025

● Work Zone: The Whitewater Trail - Upstream of the Surf Hotel in South Main

Trail & River Access: Portions of the Arkansas River Trail and nearby river access will be temporarily limited or closed at times for safety and construction best practices. PLEASE STAY OUT OF THE WORK ZONE.

Project Commitment

This is a top-priority capital improvement project for the Town of Buena Vista. Planning began in 2021 to address the Whitewater Parks use and overcrowding issues. The goal of this remodel project is to bring an older in stream feature up to date to match the use demands we are seeing today. All donations received over the past three years are securely held in the Town’s Capital Improvement Account and will be used exclusively for Pocket Wave 2.0.

We are incredibly grateful for your patience, enthusiasm, and continued support as we work together to enhance and sustain our beloved River Park for generations to come.

For more information or questions, please contact:

Earl Richmond, Recreation Special Projects Manager, erichmond@buenavistaco.gov

With gratitude,

The Buena Vista Recreation Department

buenavistarec.com