Pocket Wave 2.0

Pocket Wave 2.0: Reviving the Ride

Keeping Our Whitewater Park Flowing Strong: The “Pocket Wave,” constructed in 2014, is a popular instream and riverside destination that experiences enormous recreational use in the spring and summer. However, the structure no longer functions as originally designed. Visible undercutting and scouring have eroded the wave's hydraulic performance and structural stability. As a result, we now see a significant increase in the number of users at the adjacent Staircase Wave, which has put unbalanced pressure on the Whitewater Park. Improving the Pocket Wave will enhance our users' experience and improve issues related to overcrowding.

A Safer, Stronger, More Inclusive River Feature: To revive the Pocket Wave to its former glory, providing a space that fosters enjoyment, inclusivity, and community engagement while alleviating congestion at the River Park in Buena Vista.

Project Overview: From Rocks to River Ready: The Pocket Wave enhancement project in the Town of Buena Vista, Colorado, consists of reconstructing and modifying an existing instream recreational feature in the Arkansas River built of natural boulders and concrete.

From Demo to Design: What’s Getting Done:

1. Removing the existing feature.
2. Placing and or replacing large, grouted boulders.
3. Building structural concrete walls, a structural concrete slab, and riprap armoring at the river structure.
4. Installing a channel-grade control mattress located approximately 100 feet downstream of the feature.
5. Incorporating a low-flow condition fishway as part of the structure repair.
6. Reestablishing river access with the existing adjacent river trail.

Friends of the Wave: Who’s Involved.

• Town of Buena Vista,
• CKS River Supply,
• numerous not-for-profits, and
• many private individuals and foundations.

Start to Splash: What to Expect, When. A high-level overview of the project schedule, including significant milestones and deadlines.

General Funding - Complete

Start Date- August 19th- Completion Date- October 1st.

How the Numbers Stack Up:

This Town capital improvement project at the Buena Vista Whitewater Park remains on target for completion in late September 2025.

Each year, the Town of Buena Vista contributes $5000 to match the community's injection of 5000. Towns sets aside $10,000 annually to maintain and improve the park. Maintenance work centers around erosion control, trail maintenance, vegetation rehab, access, and river structure upgrades.

Over the past three years, we have raised over $140,000 in community donations to help fund the project in 2024. The total cost of the project is roughly $240,000. This includes design, engineering, project management, permitting, and construction. We are actively seeking additional funding to realize this project's full potential and elevate the overall experience for all who visit Buena Vista Whitewater Park. GoFundMe Link

For additional progress reports, please visit the Friends of the BV River Park site for PSA's- https://bvrp.org/news/

https://youtu.be/vtIbTE82U-U