A Unique Floating Oasis: The 1988 Ohio River Project
In 1988, Rock Formations Inc. (the parent company of RicoRock) took on one of its most ambitious projects in our history: a floating cave structure and waterfalls, built on a massive structural steel frame.
This project was no small task, as it was designed with both castings and hand-textured concrete, creating a realistic and intricate landscape.
The challenge? There were no footings to anchor it to the ground. Instead, the entire structure was constructed on an oil barge, allowing it to rise and fall with the Ohio River’s ebb and flow.
Alongside Rock Formations, Mid-America Pools played a crucial role, installing a pool on the repurposed oil barge. This barge, along with a floating restaurant (also built on a barge), became a unique recreational area on the Ohio River, directly across from the Cincinnati skyline.
For over two decades, these floating structures provided a popular oasis destination for locals and visitors. The pool and waterfall became iconic, with easy access via a gangplank from the riverbank or by boat, to anchor directly to the barge.
One of the most surprising elements of the project was how the waterfall behaved. As large ships passed by, the movement of the barge would cause the waterfall to shift, creating a dynamic and ever-changing water feature. Thankfully, the waves from the ships were never too large, adding to the charm of this one-of-a-kind floating retreat.
After over 20 years of service, the barges were eventually sold and sent down the river for a new life. But the memories of this innovative project remain a testament to the creativity and engineering that went into making it a success.
