The park was built in the year 2000 at the urging and with the help of local kayakers. It was the first professionally designed play-park in Utah and really drew attention to the area as a kayaking destination. This park has a kayaking water course in the river, covered picnic shelter, restrooms and drinking water.
Two years later, in 2002, more rock was brought in, and the bottom two holes were moved, and a the old dam that formed the second hole was demolished, leaving a large pool with amphitheater style banks. Most of the time boaters will play at the first hole then float through the bottom two when it is time to get out. There is a bike trail on river left and a bridge just upstream of the first hole that provides a good vantage point for onlookers.
During late summer and low water years the park is less a destination for kayakers and more a local hangout and swimming hole. During medium flows it is offers a great place for beginning and intermediate boaters to get in some friendly hole surfing. And in high water it consists of three fairly intimidating wide holes that can take a little work to get out of.
Recently, there have been some great improvements near the kayak park. There is now an official parking area with restrooms and a picnic bowery about fifty yards west of the river. Also, another segment of the bike path which runs south from the kayak park has been completed. If you're out riding around drop by to see what it is all about.
Top Hole
The first hole, above the pool, is the best hole of the three. It is shallow, but can provide hours of fun if you enjoy flat spinning.
Second Hole
The second hole used to be pretty much a small ripple, but since the third hole collapsed in 2007 it is now steeper. It is flushy down the middle and hard to stay on but it has a lot of power for stern squirts and bow stalls.
Third Hole
The third hole used to be a steep three or four foot drop and was usually boofed over or skipped altogether because of its intimidating nature. In 2007 though it collapsed and has become a smaller drop but now rivals the top drop in playability. Try it out!
Slalom Gates
In 2008, Ogden City, with help from a county RAMP tax grant and local kayakers, installed semi-permanent kayak slalom gate structures at the kayak park. The gates will be up seasonally, so if you're lucky you can try your hand at an Olympic Style Kayaking Experience!