October 17, 2001

Waterfronts Drawing Big Crowds

Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina - More and more cities are capitalizing on the lure of their waterfronts, according to Applied Technology & Management, Inc. (ATM). Over the last few years, development and rejuvenation projects largely focused on downtowns, streetscapes, and pocket parks. But now there is a definite trend toward waterfront redevelopment. Community leaders realize that the waterfront is where people want to be, and they're giving the public what they want by designing and building waterfront access areas including walkways, parks, boat ramps, marinas, and fishing piers.

"Many municipal governments in the East recognize that people are coming back to the water," says Sam Phlegar, vice president of ATM. "For several decades, cities turned their backs to the water while riverfronts and harbors attracted industrial development. Now communities are recognizing the values of attractive waterfronts and their inherent recreational attributes. Cities with areas along a riverfront or any waterbody provide a lot more opportunities for leisure and recreation - citizens are calling for access and governments are responding."

Here are some headlines from recent waterfront redevelopment projects:

Record crowds in Louisville: More than a million people attended hundreds of events at Waterfront Park (Louisville, KY) during its first full season two years ago, and the park continues to draw record crowds. The Louisville Waterfront Development Corporation is in Phase II of the project, which will add about 35 acres to the park, including another children's play area, a pedestrian connection to Southern Indiana across the old Big Four railroad bridge, a small cafe, a rowing facility for school and community rowing groups, and an informal amphitheater.

Increased economic horsepower in Columbus: The 10-mile Chattahoochee RiverWalk now serves as an economic engine for the city of Columbus, Georgia. Citizens are flocking to parks, water fountains, amphitheaters, and congregation points along the city's scenic waterfront walk. According to the official web site for the city of Columbus, the Chattahoochee has become a hub for recreation, attracting fishermen, pleasure boaters, and water-skiers from around the world.