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NEWS
Meeting to discuss future of riverfront park
HUNTINGTON -- Local and federal agencies who have vested interests in Harris Riverfront Park will have a stakeholders meeting this week to discuss the future of the park.
Specifically, the meeting set for 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, at Heritage Village will focus on a master plan for the riverfront, said Charles Holley, the city's director of development and planning.
"It's not just the park we will be talking about but how it fits into the overall picture of the downtown," he said.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers received $75,000 to prepare the master plan. The city of Huntington will match that with a $50,000 monetary contribution and $25,000 in-kind contribution, Holley said.
The master plan has 11 specific objectives, Holley said. They include the following:
Creating a comprehensive map to analyze existing conditions and identify potential improvements.
Providing recommendations to improve functional relationships between park elements as well as their functional relationship to external elements.
Improving visual aesthetics of the park.
Improving separation of vehicular traffic and pedestrian flow patterns while providing accessibility.
Evaluating existing and potential park access points for function, safety and visual aesthetics.
Identifying potential trails systems within the park as well as external linkages to Pullman Square, the Big Sandy Superstore Arena and the surrounding community.
Identifying elements that lend to creating a strong park identity in character with the history and culture of the riverfront.
Considering special event needs in the planning of improvements.
Providing recommendations that improve public safety and security.
Identifying recreational opportunities that provide for a variety of both active and passive recreational activities.
Considering operational and maintenance issues in the planning of park improvements.
