A River District?
So I was thinking some more about Great Falls the other day. Specifically, I was thinking about the river (I’m sure you’ve noticed it). There are a couple of things about a river running through town that I think are important and should be present. One is an environmental/recreation approach. Another is a commercial approach (not commercial as in a dam, though). Hopefully I can explain myself shortly.
The first and most important (in my opinion) is the environmental care that a town should show toward a river. I think Great Falls does an acceptable job here. If there are pollutant issues, I’m not aware of it. Didn’t a study get commissioned based on some Malmstrom runoff? Stuff like that should definitely get sorted out.
Another aspect is the recreational aspect. This includes boating on the water and recreation along the shores. Again, I think Great Falls does a good job here, too. I know there are plenty of people who like to put their boats in the water, ski, fish, etc. Also, the River’s Edge Trail is a good recreational tool for the river. My wife and I enjoy walking/biking/running (not all at the same time, of course) along the river. The more work that can be done on this trail to maintain it and improve it the better.
The last aspect I think is important is the commercial one. Like I said before, I’m not talking about energy-type commercial. I’m thinking of a river district of sorts — shops, restaurants, etc. I think this is where Great Falls is missing out. We kind of have the beginnings of a nice entertainment area in the form of Applebee’s, Mackenzie River, and the La Quinta. I think it would be nice to expand this area, if possible. It doesn’t even have to be on the same side of the river. There are many other towns that use rivers like ours to their advantage. Wouldn’t it be cool to have a little district with some nice shops and restaurants to go spend time at?
I’m definitely not saying we should do this all along the river — I don’t want to ruin the natural look. However, I think Great Falls should explore the idea of creating a commercial (retail) area where people can go to shop, eat, spend time, etc. I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know if this would work in Great Falls or if the local economy would even support it. It’s just a thought I had the other day.
What are your thoughts?
November 17th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
I would like to see more beautification of the commercial areas along river road between 9th & 15th st bridges. The area is cut through by the RET and it is less than interesting to look at. A nice retail area would benefit all of GF
Great idea!
November 18th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
I agree. It just amazes me that we don’t do more to make the river more interesting. I think we are wasting a huge resource, that’s for sure.
November 21st, 2007 at 9:28 am
I think it will come. You need to understand that there is a vocal faction in this community, led by failed Commission candidate, Stu Lewin, that opposes ANY development of the river.
With the new Federal Courthouse going on the west bank, I think you’ll see more commercial retail over there.
Where I think we are really missing the boat is in usage. Why no water ski tournament? Why no kayak races? Why not Great Falls Marathon on the trail?
Easy for me to say; I should just shut up and do it.
November 21st, 2007 at 2:55 pm
Being a less-then-involved local I’d like to know what I CAN do to help get positive things happening here.
November 23rd, 2007 at 4:13 am
GeeGuy,
You make some good points! Why don’t we use the water more? A kayak race sounds fantastic! What a great idea. I’m sure a ski tournament of sorts would be good, too. Will the river support that? I understand there are some shallow spots. I ask because I’ve only kayaked on the river, nothing more.
I guess I kind of feel how Panda does — where do we even start?
November 23rd, 2007 at 2:36 pm
If you go to the Great Falls Development Authority’s web page, they have a special section about the west side of the river. There is an effort to remove most of those ugly shacks between the river and the fairgrounds. Many, many acres of potential. New’s that G-Funk is growing, albeit slowly, and a slowing housing market, and the signs of increased construction will have a synergistic effect. (I hate that phrase “synergistic effect”.) Another place to grow is the south side of Black Eagle. East of the 9th Street bridge. There is so much potential. Now is the time to buy and lease commercial property.