Masonry Magazine March 2006 Page. 23
DUNLOP MASTCLIMBERS
Redeeming a waterfront area long left to the elements has become an international cause. In Asia, Singapore can lay claim to being at the forefront of development with a 10-year plan to link dozens of green areas into a continuous belt of gardens and parks. One area, rivaling New York's Central Park, features a botanical garden, beach and conservatory linked by a pathway intended for pedestrian traffic at all times of the day and night.
The United States also has similar developments underway, albeit somewhat smaller in scope. Despite great distances, diverse backgrounds and cultures, and different plans, two elements typically remain the same: the goal of creating a unified area to strengthen a community and the use of masonry.
Riverfront Chattanooga
CHATTANOOGA, the fourth largest city in Tennessee, is located in the southeast corner near the Georgia border. Chattanooga was one of the first American cities to effectively use a citizen visioning process to set specific long-range goals to enrich the lives of residents and visitors. In Chattanooga, citizens like to get involved, and they like to show off their accomplishments. The result? The city has received national recognition for the renaissance of its beautiful downtown and redevelopment of its riverfront.
"By putting the 21st Century Waterfront Plan together with a comprehensive job growth strategy, Chattanoogans have committed themselves to the mission of raising the standard of living for the entire community," said Bob Corker, the mayor of Chattanooga.
According to Corker, the largest obstacle to achieving Chattanooga's vision of reconnecting with the river has been the existence of Riverfront Parkway, a roadway that lies between the Tennessee Aquarium and the riverfront. Until recently, Riverfront Parkway was a state highway, and the lack of local control frustrated efforts to modify the road.
"After proposing several scenarios, we finally asked the state to give Riverfront Parkway to the city, and the Tennessee Department of Transportation agreed," Corker said. "Suddenly, with the removal of that obstacle, our community had a "blue sky' opportunity to transform the waterfront."
The 21st Century planning process began in January 2002. Chattanoogans then developed the plan through a series of public meetings. "Gaining control of Riverfront Parkway was like being handed a blank canvas," Corker said.