December 9, 2016 - The Park Board approved the Final Phase One Riverfront Development Designs at Thursday’s Park Board Meeting. Those interested in viewing updated renderings may visit www.RiverfrontFW.org.
The following are design changes that have been incorporated since the schematic design public meeting in July:
North Bank
Tree Canopy Trail -
The structure of the Tree Canopy Trail has changed from a suspension system to below-boardwalk support. This more efficient approach inspired the design of the railing system which will be a heavy-duty mesh stretched between supporting posts.
The path of the trail has been refined to pass between existing trees and to reduce the impact to wetlands.
Children’s Play Area
The Children’s Play Area is now more accessible and the playground equipment has been selected with children of all abilities in mind.
River Access
The inlet for kayakers, canoers, or paddle boarders is now equipped with a floating dock launch system to assist people with disabilities as well as those who aren’t seasoned explorers. The stepped access for manpowered craft still exists at this location as well as east of the seawall dock.
Harrison Street Bridge
The bridge will be converted from 3 lanes of vehicular traffic to two lanes of vehicles, with one lane dedicated to pedestrians. The pedestrian walkway will have benches and the existing look of the balustrade will be preserved.
South Bank
Entry Feature -
This will now be a commissioned work by a nationally recognized sculptor.
Pavilion
In response to the desire for a potential concession and/or catering vendors, the floor plan has been updated. The concession space could potentially be useable even if the pavilion space is reserved for an event.
Internal and external family restrooms have been added.
Superior Street Gardens
Once envisioned as a lawn panel, this now boasts seatwall planters, lush foliage, and shade trees to offer the opportunity for a quiet respite in the urban park.
The area closer to the pavilion is now envisioned as a dining garden – a place to sit outside under the shade of the trees and picnic with your family or enjoy a snack from the pavilion.
The first phase of riverfront development will be focused on the public spaces in a park setting and the projected construction investment will not exceed $20 million. Development would occur on the south and north sides of the St. Marys River between Harrison Street and the historic Wells Street Bridge. Highlights of the plans include a promenade, park pavilion, event lawn, entry plaza with sculpture/signage, urban bioswale, educational water feature, urban streetscape, central plaza, urban riverfront terraces, elevated boardwalk, dock, interactive sculpture, and children’s play area.
For the construction phase to begin, the Park Board is in the process of acquiring three properties along Superior and Harrison streets.
The team leading the design work is Riverworks Design Group, comprised of Design Collaborative, Forum Studio, Hoch Associates, Engineering Resources, American Structurepoint, and One Lucky Guitar.