I read with interest Adam Ferrari's June 12 "Two Cents Worth" article titled "Civic Center expansion should embrace riverfront." I wholeheartedly agreed with Mr. Ferrari that the Zumbro River should be given more attention in civic center planning.
However, I also feel Mr. Ferrari could have gone even further. Perhaps not only those drawing up plans for the civic center expansion should heed his advice, but those laying out plans to make Rochester a Destination Medical Center should give the river due consideration.
The Zumbro River and its tributaries are the only real natural resources in the downtown Rochester area. With a goal to bring people downtown — and have them stay awhile — everything that can be done to highlight the waterway corridors should be explored as part of the planning for both the Civic Center and DMC.
Rochester's current lack of focus on the Zumbro became evident during a trip to Milwaukee this past year. Although a larger city, with a bigger river flowing through it, Milwaukee has done an excellent job, as have many other U.S. cities, at using its river to enhance its downtown as a destination. With boats filled with people plying the Milwaukee River right through the city, I couldn't help but feel that Rochester was somehow missing the boat.
A high priority could be given to downtown river walkways dotted with shops, restaurants and rest places instead of some of the parking lots and loading docks Mr. Ferrari mentions. Recreational activities, as well as educational activities associated with the river, could be included when possible, with carefully thought out lighting and signage.
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Riverway links to other features close to the downtown could also be a part of this planning. With the short distances to resources like the Silver Lake complex, Soldiers Field and Quarry Hill Park, planners could come up with something more creative than just simple blacktop bike trails to connect people to these sites.
For some of the many Mayo visitors who spend weeks or months staying in Rochester, their experiences will be enhanced if they also encouraged to explore other area communities and regional natural resources. Tours to Whitewater State Park, the Mississippi and Root River and cities Lanesboro, Wabasha, and Elba could be made readily available, as could more active experiences like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, canoeing or kayaking.
Competing as a destination with other cities that do not have seven months of winter necessitates taking advantage of everything we have, including the Zumbro River.
