After a decade of planning and preparation, the longest urban whitewater course in the world will officially open Saturday, May 25 in Phenix City and Columbus, Ga., on the Chattahoochee River.

The 2.5-mile whitewater course will feature more than 10 Class 4+ rapids. For the less adventurous, there will be plenty of other freshwater fun to enjoy including rafting, kayaking, paddleboarding or canoeing.

The Chattahoochee River forms the Alabama-Georgia state line and separates the downtown areas of Columbus and Phenix City.  Both communities also boast river walks for strolling, biking, skateboarding or viewing activities on the river.

The grand opening will include a concert in the Phenix City Amphitheater featuring rock legend Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad and fireworks over the river.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our communities,” said Alabama Power’s Phenix City Manager David Quinney, who is chairman of the Phenix City Downtown Redevelopment Authority. “The whitewater project has brought our two communities together in a way that will benefit everyone.”

John Anderson, a whitewater architect and the course designer, was involved in the project for more than 10 years.  The prospects for “Cutbait,” the signature rapid on the Alabama side, excite Anderson. “I had pretty low expectations for it,” said Anderson, an architect of the 1996 Olympic whitewater course on the Ocoee River in Georgia. “Now I rank it 9 out of 10.”

For more information about the Chattahoochee River whitewater course, visit http://www.chattahoocheeriverwhitewater.com/.