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Local developer asks Columbus City Council to study river-surfing feature on Chattahoochee
Summary
A private group led by John Turner presented a proposal for a world-class river-surfing feature on the Chattahoochee River and asked the council to consider funding engineering and permitting studies in the FY2026 budget to refine costs and enable fundraising.
John Turner, a local river-development advocate, told the Columbus City Council on May 13 that private fundraising and earlier river projects have already driven economic development along the Chattahoochee and that a new river-surfing feature could further boost tourism.
Turner described river surfing as “Think surfing on a surfboard only miles from any coastline,” and said experts told him Columbus’s proposed site between the 13th Street and 14th Street bridges could be “one of the best in the world.” He asked the city to consider providing funding in the FY2026 budget for additional engineering and permitting studies so the group can produce a firm cost estimate and launch a formal fundraising campaign.
Selvin Hollingsworth, chair of the Development Authority, said the authority is “100% in support” of pursuing the concept and that the feature could draw international visitors. Council members who spoke — including Councilor Davis and Councilor Kogel — described prior river investments and international events hosted in Columbus as evidence of the river’s positive economic impact.
No formal vote was taken on Turner’s request. Council members and staff said the topic would be considered in upcoming budget conversations and that further study would be needed before any public funding commitment.
Why it matters: Turner's group framed the proposal as a public–private project intended to expand Uptown’s tourism offerings and youth recreation options. If pursued, engineering and permitting studies would be the next step before a fundraising campaign and any public contribution were approved.
What happens next: Turner requested the city include funding for the studies in the FY2026 budget process; council discussion at future budget sessions was the only commitment made at the meeting.
Quotes
“The new idea is river surfing. Think surfing on a surfboard only miles from any coastline,” John Turner said. “What we're asking for this morning is for the city to consider providing funding for continuing engineering and permitting studies in the 2026 budgeting process.”
Provenance
(Topic introduced) Transcript segment starting at 2254.775: "Last time I was before the council, with a crazy river idea... we removed 2 historic dams and restored about 2 miles of white water..." (topicintro)
(Topic finish) Transcript segment starting at 2631.1501: "What we're asking for this morning is for the city to consider providing funding for continuing engineering and permitting studies in the 2026 budgeting process." (topicfinish)
