Council Bluffs Riverfront Master Plan

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Council Bluffs Riverfront Master Plan

Type

Government + Health ›
Landscape + Planning › Public Park

Directly across from Downtown Omaha and at the foot of the newly-completed Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, the Council Bluffs Riverfront Park is a 90-acre public park situated within the broad riparian floodplain of the great Missouri River. Sasaki's Master Plan seizes upon the distinct character of the Council Bluffs side of the River – richly forested, green and soft – in distinct contrast to the highly urbanized landscapes that surround it. The ecologically-sensitive areas north and south of the bridge's landing are reinforced by reforestation and wetland enhancement strategies and accessed via a series of trails and environmental interpretation. At the bridge landing, a "window" is carved out of the forest, creating an open landscape down to the water's edge that can accommodate the city's significant festivals and events and provide a view of the dramatic Omaha skyline. The edges of the window provide shaded groves for picnicking and a river-scaled sandbox for play directly at the water's edge. All of these improvements are designed to withstand occasional flooding of the site and are being coordinated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.The integration of public art is a key component of the park design. Environmental artist Doug Hollis is an integral member of the design team and will contribute an iconic weather-inspired tower and water feature to the park's "Landing" – an active water play and ice-skating plaza atop the existing levee. The plan accommodates the works of other artists – from lighting installations to sculptural elements – and will be implemented over time.