The city of Columbus wants to know what you would like to see along the East Fork White River in downtown.
Jayne Farber, a consultant hired by the city’s redevelopment commission, said officials will be holding a public workshop called “Reimagine the Riverfront” on Wednesday, April 5th, to gather ideas from residents on what should be done to make best use of the area between the Second and Third Street bridges.
She said that this is the former kickoff event on the eventual decision on how to proceed with the riverfront project. Eventually, the city plans to have two sections of the People Trail meet up in that area, finally tying together the city in an entire loop of trails.
The city’s consultants on the project would first meet with more than 30 stakeholders throughout the day to gather their ideas. Then open it up to the public later in a workshop, Farber said.
Farber said part of the discussion will have to be what to do with the low-head dam on the river. The dam is deteriorating and needs work, whether it is to be retained or removed. She said that people might like to see it restored but with a stone face put on it.
Farber has her own views on what might be enjoyable in the area. She said that she might like to see a small public beach with an jetty aimed at young children so they would have a protected place to play in the river.
But ultimately, city officials want to know what you would like to see in the area, Farber says.
The public session will be from 6 to 8 p.m. the night of April 5th in the Cal Brand meeting room at Columbus City Hall.
