Smale Riverfront Park in Cincinnati, OH is an ongoing effort by the city to revitalize it's riverfront and turn it into a destination. The city's goal is to reconnect the banks of the Ohio River to the rest of the urban core of the city as part of a comprehensive economic development strategy. The span of Smale Riverfront Park is perhaps the most vital of this project as it connects the two relatively new professional sports stadiums that have been built along the river. The NFL's Cincinnati Bengals and the Cincinnati Reds of professional baseball both call this area of the city their home and draw thousands upon thousands people from both the city and the surrounding region to the area when they play. The park also draws on the incredible views of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, which cuts through the middle of the park. When completed in 1866, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, as it spans the length of the Ohio, connecting Cincinnati to the state of Kentucky.
The park is part of new development efforts in the city. As of early 2013 it is not yet fully complete, and the first segment of the park was opened in the summer of 2012. The park is planned to incorporate over 40 acres of public open space, with many trees and green space that lead to a public promenade along the shores of the Ohio. It is part of a larger mixed-use development called The Banks between the two aforementioned stadiums. The goal is to turn the area into a desirable location for residential, business, and recreation, even when the two local teams are not playing. The goal is to bring daily, round-the clock life back to the waterfront of the downtown core of the city. When the entire project is completed, the area is planned to be composed dense residential buildings interspersed with restaurants, bars, and offices, as well as hotels. It will be the result of a large public-private partnership that is often so crucial for large-scale projects such as these to break ground.
When the park is fully complete, it will have many of the characteristics of a classic urban park. It is located within walking distance of the downtown core, and will feature walkways, bike trails, green space, numerous fountains, and magnificently-designed gardens and landscapes. It will also provide a space for community events and festivals. Boat docks are also planned to take advantage of the Ohio River waterway. It is planned to have a significantly positive economic impact on the city of Cincinnati, where anything positive can help. Much of the city has been mired in significant economic decline since the mid 20th century. Its trajectory has been typical of many Midwestern cities that saw its population shift to the suburbs and and blue-collar economic industries either close or leave town. Cincinnati has incredible promise, as it is one of the most historic cities in Midwest, and its architectural stock as well as geographic location support such a claim. The riverfront is a proper to spur a massive redevelopment effort. Historical precedent and many other similar projects have proven that people are naturally drawn to attractive waterfronts and positive economic growth development follows if these are properly invested.
As a conclusion, here is an image of people enjoying the already completed section:
No comments:
Post a Comment