an open river once again thru downtown
[This was originally titled "Sun lighting the Pequabuck River" (as you can see in the URL), but the name was changed to leave the topic more broad in case the sunlighting component (unearthing the river) was deemed too much of a cost burden to Bristol residents. The one-line description is exactly as Carl Swanson originally submitted it.]
See and vote for uses associated with the Arts Centre here.
Participate in the ‘Pequabuck River Walk’ campaign here!
Submitted by Carl Swanson
December 14, 2010 (last changed June 10, 2011)
Yes, open it up as much as possible, and put a linear park for walking and biking next to it.
History has consistently rewarded communities that embrace their rivers. Restoring the Pequabuck would add immeasurable value to downtown Bristol, if done properly. Designers would need to consider a riparian buffer zone (i.e. river-side vegetation) to control stormwater and sediment runoff and to enhance habitat for birds and fish.
more money for bristol to spend on keeping the river and banks cleaned or hasn’t anyone noticed what litter bugs we have in bristol. will the same people that keep the river clean in rockwell keep this section clean also. i think not. there’s a full size matress in the river in the area of the jacob street bridge and a hood of a car on the other end and so much trash!
There are several suggestions involving the river and perhaps they are competing for votes. I suggest combining the features of each into one proposal – but combining the votes might be problematic.
while it may nto be feasible to uncover all of the riverwalk, if some areas, like around Memorial Boulevard can be improved, with a more amenable walking and leisurely area to stop and really enjoy it, this would be wonderful…and include a bike path..seems there is a separate idea for this…why can’t they be combined?
Too expensive to do, at least entirely. Maybe certain areas could be opened cheaper than other areas. The big question is, does the benefit outway the cost?
If you think about it what a great ‘poster boy’ idea the River Walk is for green and sustainability…
It would not only transform an industrialized area that is Riverside Ave, but would send a far-reaching message that we’re ready for something fully integrated w/ nature, and that in itself is very triple-bottom line.
I love the romance of the river. What calms the psyche like the sight and splash of water? Starting practically and efficiently we could put in some strategically placed benches and spotlights so we can sit and relax, read, reflect….All those other wonderful structures can come later.
Night lighting is absolutely critical..must be intriguing and beautiful..enticing every step of the way…look at the San Antonio River Walk…I was there this past year. and also European countries that adjust to seasons, like winter (as Bristol will need to do). We need ‘wonderland lighting’ for whatever time of the year it is.
A river flows thru it. So use it.
People like moving water. Now that the Pequabuck is clean enough to support salmon and trout, let’s take advantage of this resource. The river has “waterfront property” on both banks. Time to see that as an asset. The days of heavy pollution are over (forever, I hope). If the river can be seen (and appreciated) by everyone then any “unfortunate events” will be seen and dealt with more quickly. This natural feature can become a highlight in the new downtown. It should be part of the centerpiece, not hidden away.
I have always thought Statelys Floors would be a perfect cafe too. I don’t think we need to open up the river under the downtown area, due to flooding concerns that happen several times a year. If the revitalization was expanded right down Riverside Drive, then it would incorporate the Carousel Museum also.
Good article in the Paper today on the river. this was my comment: ” I grew up in Bristol.My family still resides there. I visit often. I now live in the Putnam area. When I moved here in the 80′s, Putnam was a ghost town much like what Bristol is now. It was a dead old Mill town. All the stores downtown moved out. There was a pizza restaurant, a donut/coffee shop and a bike shop left. The Bradley Theater, a renovated old movie house, was what little art and culture there was providing plays,etc from the local theater group. Nobody went downtown. Now, the Quinebaug river runs along the edge of downtown and was Putnam’s demise in 1955. But the town built a river trail for walkers and joggers, with a bike trail. They built a large bandstand for summer events,such as outside summer concerts on the lawn, etc. I’ll tell you this was the beginning of revitalization. There is always someone on the river trail…always! Dog walkers, walkers, bike riders, people sitting on the town benches. It is gorgeous. The town found a niche in antiques and there are tiny boutiques, consignment shops, a book store, hair salon, restaurants, sidewalk cafe area(of course seasonal), businesses, flower shop, the list goes on. There is new life in the downtown area. The Bradley is thriving doing a run of current plays,about 10 different shows a year. The once dying shopping plaza has had a face lift. New stores have moved in…Crabtree and Evelyn, Price Chopper, Mobile phone store Rite aid, Hallmark.
It has taken a start to change. And to those who are complaining about their tax dollars…hello, if you bring in life, what usually follows is traffic which leads to shoppers, and then guess what it increases your economy!!! that means $$$$!! “
Golden, Colorado has a small river that runs right through the town. When I saw it a couple years ago I thought, “that could be next to the Boulevard in downtown Bristol!” Check out photo’s #18 – 25 especially.
A river walk would very much enhance the area and bring an added certain charm to Bristol. People use the hugely popular Rails to Trails in Southington all year long, which is the same kind of concept. Getting people out of doors, walking, biking etc A nice idea. I would love to see the river again too. It looks dreadful when you see that cement tunnel in the area of South St. and Pleasant St. Kathleen Connolly
It would be great to incorporate the river into the revitialization with fountains and waterfalls perhaps some of it enclosed indoors
GREAT concept to tie in with an Arts center at MBS-which is a no brainer. Wonderful building already in place-just needs back blown out for larger stage and back stage rooms-perfection! Then wrap it all up with a river walk and restaurant-sounds like a winner and the buildings and river are already there. We must try to utilize our diamonds in the rough.
This should include a bike path!
I think that would be a huge assest for Bristol. Last year I was in San Antonio and had visions of a smaller version of a riverwalk in Bristol. The Boulevard side of the river is beautiful. We need to spruce up Riverside Ave. especially now that we have the new rt.72 leading people into downtown Bristol.
Hartford and East Hartford, like many cities and towns had isolated the CT river from the city behind walls, making most people unaware that they had such a great feature in their towns. They have recently opened up access to the river with parks that are well used by joggers walkers and families enjoying picnics.. The Pequabuck is a beautiful healthy river that is not found in many cities, and to have it buried and hidden is a shame.
For those of you that lived through the flood of 55 you understand why the river was contained. We need to be very careful before opening up that area of the river and look to where it is already open for development of a beautiful area for walking, dining, etc.
It’s vital to be aware that one major concern of the general Bristol public is excessive municipal spending, especially in a down economy. Whatever version of the river walk emerges must take this into account: there is a balance between the ideal and the financially practical, as well as what may not be financially practical now may very well be down the road.
As mentioned by J. Gallagher, the river was vital for Bristol’s success for over a century! Add an Arts Center at the Boulevard and transform Stately Floors into a restaurant, etc….this is a no-brainer.
One plays the cards they’re dealt, and we have aces with the Pequabuck. I was in San Antonio before they cleaned up the river. What a transformation! We could do the same here. At least one benefit is that it would make Bristol downtown a desirable place to live and play. Marry that with restaurants that play to our cultural diversity (Polish, French, Italian, etc) and we could have a real winner. BTW, has any thought been given to uncovering the Pequabuck in the North Main St. area?
Does anyone actually know where the river is relative to the site?
I have visited the Housatonic River Walk in Great Barrington. It is of a similar scale to what I could see in Bristol. Close enough for a nice day trip and also check out downtown Great Barrington
http://www.gbriverwalk.org/
I really like the idea.. think about cities like San Antonio that have lighted walkways and scenic foot bridges over the river.. could be really nice!
I agree we need to take advantage of this natural resource. I have been to Fire Walk in Providence and it was very nice, but again, we also need restuarant and shops to support this.
yes, yes, and yes! Everyone loves to be near to water and we have the advantage right now of having the river. I think it is important to utilize it!
We enjoyed speaking with you Carl at the Dec 15th meet up about sunlighting and support considering the potential of sunlighiting the Pequabuck River. As our Bristol Rising profile stated: “we would like to see a FLOWING WATER FEATURE FROM THE NATURAL ENVIROMENT considered on some level. Flowing water inspires movement and imagination, travel to and from other places and is a natural, exciting draw for people,even on a smaller scale. It would represent that downtown is no longer stagnant.” Others at that meeting added on to this concept by bringing up Providence’s WaterFire as an example.
The parts of the river that can be seen in Forestville are so amazing. It would be great to be able to stroll along the river downtown.
I love this idea and it would dovetail nicely with the idea of a Visual and Performing Arts Centre where Memorial Blvd. School is. How great would it be to have an arts centre and be able to walk across the street to riverside cafés, shops and a lovely river walk/view? What a great draw for the cultural arts. We are so lucky to have a river as a part of our downtown, but we must use it to our advantage!
Look at Stately Floors – A perfect site for a restaurant with an outdoor deck on the river. We can make that happen!
Great idea!
Bristol’s success was tied to the Pequabuck for the first century of the town’s existence. It’s success for the next century may be as well…
Let’s subtract some concrete and asphalt and add some RIVER!
Unleashing the Pequabuck River” would be a Great Challenge, but it will be WELL WORTH it with the **REWARDS** moving Bristol Forward for “MANY” Generations to Enjoy:). Do you know how many cities would just LOVE to have the opportunity to have a River in their Downtown? We have one and we MUST utilize this gift from nature. River Glow, River Walks, River Sites, River Sounds, are just a FEW possibilities that would “Flourish Downtown Bristol”. Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter would give this River a HUGE draw to Bristol with “Year Round Activities” that is so VERY IMPORTANT to Generate Income on a FULL-TIME Basis with a “UNIQUE Atmosphere”!!!
This concept is far from new among downtown revitalizations. Minneapolis, Providence, and Baltimore have done similar things with great success. Just imagine a quaint little cafe with outdoor seating upon the banks of the mighty Pequabuck as it flows gently through downtown. Along it could extend a nice walkway lined with trees from Brackett through the end of Memorial Boulevard. Here are some links I found with more info on some of the other revitalizations done by using natural water features. http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/cped/docs/riverfront_revival.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downtown,_Providence,_Rhode_Island
http://www.globalharbors.org/index.html
860-582-0030Bristol City Hall 2nd Fl
I love the romance of the river. What calms the psyche like the sight and splash of water? Starting practically and efficiently we could put in some strategically placed benches and spotlights so we can sit and relax, read, reflect….All those other wonderful structures can come later.
Night lighting is absolutely critical..must be intriguing and beautiful..enticing every step of the way…look at the San Antonio River Walk…I was there this past year. and also European countries that adjust to seasons, like winter (as Bristol will need to do). We need ‘wonderland lighting’ for whatever time of the year it is.
A river flows thru it. So use it.
People like moving water. Now that the Pequabuck is clean enough to support salmon and trout, let’s take advantage of this resource. The river has “waterfront property” on both banks. Time to see that as an asset. The days of heavy pollution are over (forever, I hope). If the river can be seen (and appreciated) by everyone then any “unfortunate events” will be seen and dealt with more quickly. This natural feature can become a highlight in the new downtown. It should be part of the centerpiece, not hidden away.
I have always thought Statelys Floors would be a perfect cafe too. I don’t think we need to open up the river under the downtown area, due to flooding concerns that happen several times a year. If the revitalization was expanded right down Riverside Drive, then it would incorporate the Carousel Museum also.