Hey guys, one of my projects due in January involves expanding on a group project we're doing now and I thought you might have some ideas.
We're doing a sustainable regeneration strategy for a semi-derelict industrial space along the curve of the River Taff here in Cardiff. My individual project will be on the riverside restoration portion. Don't go looking, but if you have a favorite urban river restoration example, let me know about it and I'll take a look at its potential here. I'm hoping to focus on the potential for rejuvenating plant and animal life and a sustainable approach to the human interface structures (like raised walkways and fully permeable surfaces to allow mitigation of stormwater, etc.) I hope to find examples that allow as natural as possible a habitat while still allowing human access and enjoyment.
Posted by at December 3, 2005 02:20 AMI lived in Indianapolis when they restored the canal that runs through downtown. And they did a great job - to live along the canal is quite a posh thing now, as well as it being a great walk that ends at the botanical gardens, with neat little shops and stuff along the way.
But it's a canal. Which is not a river. But it is a waterway. In an urban area.
So. Um.
Carry on.
Posted by: Beth at December 3, 2005 07:30 PMThe Charles River in Boston is a pretty good example, going through various jurisdictions.
And the Spokane River in Spokane.
I think they are both real successes, but I'm unfortunately not really familiar with them.
Posted by: fran at December 3, 2005 09:04 PMIt's maybe too late now, and I'm not sure this is the kind of example you're looking for, but the Brisbane City Council and various groups have done some cool things along the river. There's the example of Southbank, which was a leftover industrial space which was converted into a huge park complete with fake beach and small restored rainforest section, the walkway which is being redone along the Toowong section, and various offshoots like the local Bushcare and Landcare groups redoing bits of Norman Creek. I have been part of a local group working with Buranda school along the Buranda section, and we have cleared out the water and replanted heaps of native grasses and trees. I can't do html stuff but here is a link to the city council environmental project site, which should lead to some helpful information if you're interested: http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:STANDARD:1803068540:pc=PC_150
Posted by: Bactria at December 7, 2005 01:01 AM