Work to expand the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk in downtown Pueblo is breaking ground Thursday, June 6, according to an announcement by the HARP Authority which oversees the urban waterfront park.
The nearly $16 million project will extend the riverwalk park and channel east toward Santa Fe Drive. Plans also call for a new multi-level boat house with an open-air rooftop event space and additional public amenities. The building will also house equipment, boats, and office space. Paving, landscaping, electrical and lighting are included in the project.
Pedestrians will be routed away from the construction site, but the rest of the existing 32-acre riverwalk area will remain open and summer activities will go on as planned. The expansion is expected to take about two years to complete.
Funding for the project includes $9 million from Pueblo County’s Ballot Initiative 1A coffers, a $1 million from Colorado’s Department of Local Affairs grant and a $1 million match from the City of Pueblo. Additional funds are coming from the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation’s half cent sales tax fund and from Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority.
The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk follows the original channel of the Arkansas River prior to the catastrophic 1921 flood that destroyed much of the city’s main business district and more. After the flood, engineers moved the river further from downtown and built a massive levee to protect the city. The former riverbed was neglected for many years until Puebloans decided to reclaim it and turn it into an attractive public space.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated to reflect the accurate day, Thursday, June 6.
- 100 Years Ago, A Devastating Flood Changed The Course Of Pueblo's Future
- The 1921 Flood Changed Pueblo Forever. What Has Recovery Looked Like?
- How One Of Colorado's Worst Natural Disasters Reshaped Pueblo
- A Flood Ravaged Downtown Pueblo 100 Years Ago. Now, The Community Dedicates A New Arkansas River Levee
