WOKA White Water Kayak Park

WOKA Whitewater Park: Transforming Nature into Thrills

Watts, OK

Blast through limestone, divert a river, and create a world-class whitewater park.

Ok, sure. We can do that!

From 2020 to 2023, Crossland Construction took on the exciting and challenging task of creating The Waters of Oklahoma and Arkansas (WOKA) Whitewater Park in Watts, Oklahoma.

Thrill and Chill

WOKA is a $29.4 million, best-in-class whitewater park featuring a 1,200-foot long, 100-foot wide side channel off the Illinois River with eight drop-features for an unforgettable experience.

The project, made possible through philanthropic support from the Walton Family Foundation, not only provides heart-pumping wave action for kayakers, surfers, and tubers of all skill levels but also offers a serene retreat to revel in the beauty of nature.

The park’s inception traces back to 2011, and Crossland played a pivotal role from pre-construction to completion. The core tasks involved blasting through limestone, creating whitewater features, diverting the Illinois River, and performing crucial mitigation work on the Lake Frances dam.

Challenging Landscape

Navigating this challenging landscape required meticulous planning and execution. Various means, methods, and equipment were considered, influencing the feasibility of design ideas. Wildlife protection and wetland mitigation took precedence, and measures were implemented to assess and prevent potential damages caused by flooding events during construction.

The exterior features, including limestone, concrete, boulders, water, CMU, and timber framing, showcased the integration of nature and construction. The use of sculpted concrete, rubber-coated stainless steel hydraulic gates, O-Pile, blasting, lidar mapping, and rock/boulder phasing demonstrated innovation and adaptability. Repurposed materials from the whitewater course construction were ingeniously used to create a “stair-step” dam, mitigating hydraulic conditions and dangerous currents..

Working Together

Collaboration was paramount throughout the project. Crossland worked closely with the Watts, OK Police Department for security, the City of Siloam Springs, AR for dam mitigation, Adair County, OK, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, and the Cherokee Tribe for road improvements. This meticulous collaboration resulted in a whitewater park that is a testament to teamwork and ingenuity, rivaling any in the nation and set amidst the breathtaking Ozark Mountains.

Conclusion

The completion of WOKA Whitewater Park was not just a construction project; it was a transformation of nature into an exhilarating recreational space. Beyond the thrill-seekers’ paradise, it has become a source of pride and joy for the community. Crossland’s dedication to excellence and collaboration has not only enhanced the quality of life for thousands but has also secured a legacy in solid rock, ensuring future generations can enjoy the park for years to come.

As a testament to Crossland’s exceptional work and collaboration, we have been invited by the design team to explore similar projects throughout the nation, showcasing the enduring impact and recognition of our contributions.

Project Facts

Cost: $28,680,443
Delivery Method: Construction Management
Self-Perform: Site Utilities, Steel Erection, Concrete
Owner: Grand River Dam Authority
Architect: Merrick
Engineer: McLaughlin Whitewater

Project Awards:

ABC of Arkansas Excellence in Construction