This summer, athletes and spectators from around the globe will gather in Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. If you can't make it to France but want to experience a glimpse of the games, look no further than Montgomery.

Less than one year ago, Montgomery Whitewater Park (MWP) opened to the public and will play a pivotal role in athletes' Olympic dream. MWP will host the 2024 Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross Olympic Team Trials April 13-14.

Hosting the Olympic Team Trials is a big deal for the brand new facility, and it is also a first for the state of Alabama. The event is the first of two selection events to be held before the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"It is surreal that this is happening and we haven't even been open for a year yet," said Megan McKenzie, Montgomery Whitewater Park's chief marketing officer. "I think that that speaks to the level of quality that Montgomery Whitewater has and it is recognized throughout the world, and I am not exaggerating."

Opened in July 2023, MWP is a 120-acre outdoor adventure and lifestyle destination in the heart of Montgomery where I-65 and I-85 meet.

The whitewater part of the park comes from the state-of-the-art, human-made recirculating whitewater river system with two channels: the 2,200-foot-long Creek Channel and the 1,600-foot-long Competition Channel.

Five pumps from Sweden, which can each be dialed in separately, pump 13 million gallons of water (purchased from the City of Montgomery) through the channel system. The facility was designed by engineer Scott Shipley, who competed in three Summer Olympic games (1992, 1996, 2000), is holder of four world titles and has more than 25 years as a whitewater competitor.

The engineering, design and technology that exists at the Montgomery Whitewater Park makes for a unique controlled environment to learn how to whitewater raft or kayak. Both channels can be adjusted to varying levels, with the minimum age for the Creek Channel being 8 years old and the Competition Channel being 11.

"While the whitewater channel system is the heart of Montgomery Whitewater, it is not everything that we have to offer," McKenzie said. "We are promoting this healthy outdoor active lifestyle for everyone. Whether it is you and your family getting into a boat to go out to the rapids, someone walking our trails or someone having dinner outside. We just promote being outside however that looks for each individual."

If you aren't ready to try whitewater rafting or kayaking, the park also offers flatwater activities like standup paddleboarding, kayaking and inflatable duckies on the bottom pond.

McKenzie said the park just finished the addition of a small children's boulder wall, children's adventure climbing area and mini zip line. The park will also launch the first phase of its new hiking and mountain biking trails the weekend of the Olympic Trials. While the trails are limited right now, she said they plan to expand in phases and eventually, hopefully, will connect to other parts of the city. The future will also bring an extensive zipline system and large bouldering walls.

THE OLYMPIC TRIAL EXPERIENCE

Stacey Hepp, Montgomery Whitewater Park race director, said the weekend will have a festival atmosphere.

"Hosting the Olympic Team Trials, I think it gives a close and personal opportunity for the City of Montgomery and the region to come out and cheer Team USA on," Hepp said. "We are going to have music Friday and Saturday night. The restaurant will be open. There will be a health and wellness area and outdoor game area. There is a lot for the whole family to do."

Spectators should bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket to set up with a view of the Competition Channel. In canoe slalom, athletes paddle through a course of hanging downstream and upstream gates on river rapids in the fastest time possible.

While canoe slalom has been an Olympic sport for 50 years, kayak cross is making its Olympic debut in Paris. Four athletes race each other at the same time. It has been compared to snowboard cross or BMX racing.

Having the opportunity to watch world-class athletes compete is a treat, but Hepp said the Montgomery Whitewater Park is also drawing whitewater athletes to the area.

"They are definitely extending their stay. Even in the press release the other day, one of the athletes pointed out that Montgomery has the opportunity to do exactly what happened in Charlotte where people discovered it and moved there and train," Hepp said. "I do think you are going to see people spending a lot more time there. Last week at the U.S. Open, I can't tell you how many athletes came up to me and said this is the most welcoming community, it is so nice and the energy is incredible."