A new multimillion-dollar recreation master plan for the Arkansas River levee in Pueblo is complete. The goal of the process, according to the document, was to come up with ways to increase river recreation, improve connectivity to the river as well as its ecology, and provide for more economic development opportunities.
Initially, planners will focus on a new trail along the top of the three mile long levee, a pedestrian bridge across the river, and a million dollar upgrade to the existing whitewater park to help optimize waves as well as extend the season.
The project will be an economic boost for the area, according to Pueblo City Planner Beritt Odom. "It would provide a draw for people to come to Pueblo and experience the downtown," she said.
Crucial to the plan is timing the recreational improvements to coincide with the ongoing work to repair the aging levee. Construction on the trail and bridge is targeted for this fall pending funding approval from Great Outdoors Colorado.
