Our Opinion: Riverfront park capitalizes on community asset

Let's access the riverfront.

We are acutely aware of objections to the development of Adrian's Island, actually a peninsula on the Missouri River separated from Jefferson City by a railroad yard and tracks. More about those objections later.

One reason this issue has been on the radar for so many years is that a community must capitalize on its assets to enhance the quality of life for its residents and to attract visitors.

For the most part, our city has played to its strengths - Missouri's capital city, our historic heritage, our central location in the state.

One key geographical asset - we are a riverfront community - remains undeveloped.

A persistent question community leaders have grappled with is how to develop a passive riverfront park and provide safe access to it.

An answer unfolds. Funding, largely private donations, may be available to construct a pedestrian bridge from the Capitol Complex to high ground on the peninsula.

A story in Sunday's New Tribune explored the history of flooding, and a companion story presented readers' sentiments favoring and opposing development.

Financing and flooding were among the key objections.

First, the claim that the project is a waste of money that could be directed elsewhere is not valid. Much of the money comes from private contributions. Tax dollars dedicated to the project over the years are derived from a ballot issue approved by voters for that purpose and from a designated budget allocation.

Second, the peninsula is not "constantly flooding" or "underwater." The area, like Washington Park in the center of the city, may flood periodically, but parks officials don't see that as a deal-breaker.

Jim Crabtree, who spent 25 years working on designs and development of recreation areas, said: "There are design techniques that you utilize so that these areas recover fast. They do go underwater, but they can be brought back to recreation use if you're doing the design correctly."

As outlined, this project does not adversely affect taxpayers, but creates an amenity for anyone who wants to use it.

It's time to transition from talk to action. Let's capitalize on a community asset and create a riverfront park.