At one point last year, the Southbank Riverwalk project wasn’t planned to be completed in its entirety.
Budget constraints threatened to alter the pedestrian riverfront walkway, making it stop short of its footprint. But after outcry, City Council approved more funding and the Downtown project would be completed like many sought.
Almost a year after that dispute, the project is ready for the public.
Mayor Alvin Brown, City Council President Clay Yarborough and others are slated to open the Southbank Riverwalk during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon Thursday.
The project is within the $17 million budget and is on time, said city spokesman David DeCamp.
The 3,600-foot wooden boardwalk has been replaced with concrete and brick pavers and there have been added seating, canopies and lighting among the improvements, DeCamp said.
The Navy Memorial structure is a part of the design and other features have been retained.
“We want to make people feel like they are on the river and we think we accomplished that,” he said.
City Council member Bill Bishop said he was happy the project was done but “it’s about time.”
Bishop noted a recent discussion at the council’s Recreation, Community Development, Public Health and Safety Committee that highlighted narrower portions of the riverwalk. Parts, Bishop said, that are “not a whole lot wider than a standard neighborhood sidewalk.”
The sections were so narrow, Bishop said, that portions of semi-circle benches that were in the area have to be scaled back.
DeCamp said the three-section benches were being altered so one piece would be removed and will be used elsewhere on the riverwalk.
The shape of the path varies throughout, he said, but it/s overall still wider than a normal sidewalk.
“It’s going to be a wonderful new rIverwalk,” he said, “and will be part of what defines Downtown.”
Yarborough agreed, calling the Riverwalk a “great asset. He said he was thankful the project is done so “residents and visitors can enjoy the river and Downtown from this venue once again.”
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