Olympic Whitewater Canoe & Kayak Venue

Details:

Location: Cleveland, Tennessee

Status: Completed in 1996

Highlights:

  • Master plan, construction documentation, and construction administration for Olympic whitewater competition venue
  • Planning and landscape design of the course and venue amenities

Recognition:

  • ASLA Georgia Chapter President’s Award for Excellence (Master Plan and Project Awards)
  • ASLA Tennessee Chapter President’s Award for Excellence (Master Plan)

Description:

Thomas Walsh, while with another firm, was responsible for guiding the Olympic Whitewater Canoe & Kayak Competition Venue through master planning, detailed design, and construction. The project marked the first time in Olympic history that this event was held in a natural river channel, making it a unique and challenging project. The Olympic Whitewater Canoe & Kayak Venue was a major addition to the 1996 Olympic Games and has been retained for use by the U.S. Forest Service.

The scope of this project included designing the facilities which were used for the Canoe and Kayak events during the 1996 Olympic Games. This included a new channel design for the section of the Ocoee River that is used as a competition course, and seating for 15,000 spectators. The Olympic Whitewater Canoe & Kayak Venue was designed to provide the best possible experience for athletes and spectators alike.

The design of the Olympic Whitewater Canoe & Kayak Venue was a complex task that required a deep understanding of the natural river channel and the needs of the athletes and spectators. The design included a new channel design for the section of the Ocoee River that is used as a competition course, and seating for 15,000 spectators. The channel design was carefully developed to ensure that the water flow was suitable for the competition and that the water was safe for the athletes.

The venue was a major addition to the 1996 Olympic Games and is the only 1996 Olympic Venue located outside of the state of Georgia. The venue has been retained for use by the U.S. Forest Service and continues to be a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts. The Olympic Whitewater Canoe & Kayak Venue is a great example of how sports facilities can be integrated into natural environments, providing a unique and exciting experience for athletes and spectators