Whitewater & River Recreation

Whitewater & River Recreation Services

Master Planning
Design services
Analysis
Construction Services
Operations & Maintenance

In 2025, Muller launched a national Whitewater & River Recreation service, led by renowned expert Rick McLaughlin. With a decades-long legacy of resilient, innovative design, our team delivers complete project solutions that integrate recreation, restoration, and infrastructure. From river surfing and urban playparks to complex multipurpose corridors, we offer safe, sustainable, and high-performing venues tailored to client needs. In a rapidly evolving and competitive market, Muller brings unmatched credibility, lifecycle value, and client-centered delivery to every project—grounded in engineering excellence and driven by a passion for world-class river recreation.

Areas of Expertise

Urban Waterways

Nature-like & semi-dynamic transverse river stabilization
Low-hazard nature-like fish passage
Multipurpose riverine infrastructure diversions, dams, drops, & utilities with recreation/safety
Waterway safety & criteria manuals
Whitewater rapids & riffles
Blueways & water trails
Parks & upland planning
Water trails & access
ADA waterway corridor accessibility
Flood analysis & hydrology

River Parks & Surf Waves

World-class whitewater design – river surfing, freestyle, & slalom kayaking
River community outreach
Wave shaping – adjustable deep-water waves
Water access – put-ins & take-outs
Access & integrated adventure sports
Swiftwater rescue training
Multipurpose infrastructure – diversions, dams, drops, utilities with recreation/safety
Multi-dimension and mobile bed hydraulic modeling, physical models, specialized wave models

Diversion & Intakes

Diversions – intakes, pumping, & dams/controls
Integrating recreation – waves, whitewater, & by-pass channels
Dam safety & hazard mitigation
On-river self-cleaning fine & fish screens
Flashboards, gates, & sluiceways
Open channel, closed conduit, & pump stations
Controls systems & operations plans
Structural analysis & design
Site civil work
Low-hazard fish passage & fish exclusion
Flood analysis & hydraulic modeling – physical models, 2D, 1D
Portage trails and signage

Recirculating Waves & White Water Courses

Swift water rescue
Deep water waves & low-head dam simulation
Course & site layout & alternatives
Operations planning & pro forma (in collaboration with partners)
Fully integrated systems design – pumping, recirculation, structural, & wave shaping
Full whitewater site civil, structural, and systems engineering – slalom, freestyle kayaking, & river surfing
Park spaces & whitewater site access

Meet the ExpertRick McLaughlin, PE

Rick McLaughlin is a nationally recognized leader in river engineering and recreation design, known for pioneering innovative, sustainable, and award-winning projects across the United States and internationally. With over four decades of experience, he has led the design of iconic venues such as the 1996 Olympic Whitewater Course on the Ocoee River—the only Olympic course built in a free-flowing river—and the Chattahoochee River Park in Georgia, the largest urban whitewater park in North America. His portfolio also includes transformative projects like Confluence Park in Denver, River Run Park in Colorado, and the Zink Dam Wave Park in Tulsa.

Rick holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University and a Master of Science in Water Resources Engineering from Stanford University. His expertise encompasses urban river restoration, nature-like fish passages, low-hazard dam design, and advanced hydraulic modeling. He has authored the only two sections in U.S. design criteria manuals for in-river recreation and low-hazard facilities.

As Principal Engineer at Muller Engineering Company, Rick leads the firm’s national whitewater and urban river restoration practice, bringing unmatched technical depth and a commitment to safety, durability, and community engagement. His work continues to set the standard for integrating recreation, infrastructure, and ecological health in river systems.

Zink Tulsa Wave Park - Tulsa, Oklahoma

The course has three WaveShapers that provide unsurpassed river surfing over the 200 to 500 cfs range. Sculpted rock and boulders constructed with innovative techniques provide a natural look.

Boise River Park - Boise, Idaho

First wave surfing venue of international caliber in the US. Two WaveShapers create great waves from 150 to 4,000 cfs. Operated continuously since 2009 without safety, mechanical, or structural maintenance issues.

Olympic Whitewater Course - Atlanta, Georgia

Only Olympic venue constructed in an active riverbed. Use of innovative constructive materials. First use of sculpted rock in active riverbed. First use of layered grouted boulder construction technique.

Confluence Park - Denver, Colorado

Design of this whitewater river park included layout, hydraulic calculations, and design of the boat chute bypass structure around the diversion dam and hydraulic design of the chute.

Adventure Sports - Indian Lake, New York

This most versatile course has hosted the highest level of freestyle and slalom kayaking yet is favored by novices and intermediates. Unique efficient design features (patented by Mr. McLaughlin) create great whitewater with less energy.

Chattahoochee River Restoration - Georgia

Restoration of significant aquatic habitats, including those for the endangered Shoal Spider Lilly and native Shoal Bass. Integration of 22 new in-river features to enhance riverbed and bank structures. Attraction of over 100,000 rafting customers. Establishment of 42 new businesses and university extensions.

River Run - Colorado

First low-flow surf venue in the US Two WaveShapers create great waves from 150 to 600 cfs. Simple operations – operated by a group of local knowledgeable surfers.

Rick's Previous WorkFrom Olympic Courses to Urban Parks

Zink Tulsa Wave Park
Boise River Park
1996 Atlanta Olympics
Olympic Whitewater Course
Confluence Park Denver, Colorado
Adventure Sports
Chattahoochee River Restoration
River Run

Whitewater & River Recreation