While the planned riverwalk in North Jefferson City has been widely discussed in the last few weeks, many may not be aware of a second, and different, potential riverwalk project on the south side of the Missouri River.
At the Jefferson City Council meeting Monday, the council is expected to approve a resolution thanking B.J. DeLong for her recent $50,000 donation to explore riverfront access from the south side of the river.
Exploring access from the south side is not a new idea and has often been explored in the past, usually hitting the same snag each time - the Union Pacific railroad blocks access, and going around the tracks, either below or above, could be a costly venture.
DeLong, now 91, said she's been a long-time advocate for a riverside park in Jefferson City, using Adrian's Island, and she still hopes to see one happen in her lifetime.
"Many, many communities have a riverfront park," DeLong said. "It is a tremendous asset."
DeLong said she believes the $50,000 donation could be used to pay for a contractor to develop a plan for access and for the park. She said representatives of her estate met with railroad officials about ways to get to Adrian's Island, adding the officials only approved of one method - a bridge over the tracks.
While no plans for the project have been made public yet, DeLong said she hopes to have the park developed by 2017 or even the end of 2016.
"I'm 91 and I hope to see it developed," DeLong said.