UPDATED:greenway
Recently some citizen advocates voiced concerns to the city attorney that the STEPS at the river greenway site could be dangerous, and people could slip and fall into the river. The city attorney sent them a letter that stated that they were NOT STEPS, but LEDGES meant for sitting on (I have yet to get a copy of the letter, but have read it). The letter also goes on to remind them that there is a slip plate on the last LEDGE, similar to the orange slip plates that are on the end of sidewalks (you know, things you walk and step onto).
Why would you need a slip plate for something you are sitting on? Obviously this is some kind of legal mumbo jumbo they cooked up. It reminds of the time my artist friend hung a mural on the Horse Barn at Falls Park, and then Parks director Mike Cooper said it wasn’t a ‘mural’ but a large ‘painting’ because it was free standing and not actually painted on the structure, so it didn’t need council approval.
Either way, STEPS or LEDGES someone is going to eventually fall into the river at that site.
Eight million dollars later and no safety precautions, imagine that!
Since river levels constantly fluctuate, how often will the “last LEDGE” (and slip plate) be underwater? My guess is more often than not. SFFR might want to keep an inflatable raft stationed at Cherapa to expedite the inevitable water rescues!
Speaking of art, you should apply for one of these committees: http://www.siouxfalls.org/News/2011/December/14/ec_design_committee
Thanks for the tip. I have helped out a local contractor and sign maker in the past with design elements. I actually thought about becoming an architect, but schooling and math would have been brutal.
Meh. Our society is so litigation-happy it’s amazing that we can build anything at all. I say, build it and let people use their common sense and be responsible for themselves. Incidentally, I miss the high-dives at the swimming pools too. Even Lennox got rid of theirs.
No kidding, Huh? Who cares if it is ledges or steps? It is a dumb idea. Some artist must have cooked it up 🙂
C’mon man…I understand you not supporting the level of costs associated with this project. I also am finding it hard to weigh the costs with the benefits of this project. But haven’t you traveled and seen similar concepts abutting rivers? (Kind of hard to compare these two and a bad example but…) I have vivid memories of me and my wife sitting and drinking a bottle of wine next to the Rialto Bridge in Venice on steps/ledges, very similar to these. The City is attempting to create public space that highlights the resources that former City Planners built freaking parking lots over. Hopefully people are smart enough not to waddle themselves into the river. Would placing railings across this area make the naysayers feel more comfortable from a safety standpoint? How awful would that look?
Oh, I agree 100% that this is a cool concept. But we are not Venice or San Antonio. Ironically, someone who has ridden the bike trail every year for 15 years I could show you places that are much more inviting and beautiful then this area. And no amount of concrete and stone will improve it. Let nature provide scenery, not contractors. I’m just saying.
Maybe I should start recording The Ledge on the ledges.
That part of the Trail is infested with canada geese. I wouldn’t walk on the grass around there. Maybe these Greek style ampitheater step/seating will discourage those excrement machines and make the place usable for picnickers. Its not particularly scenic but could be worse.
Just think, if that $200 million we’re going to waste at the Arena site had been built downtown the dope smokers would have this festive area to prepare themselves for the Loverboy/Head East/April Wine 40th reunion tour!
LMFAO!LMFAO!LMFAO!LMFAO!LMFAO!LMFAO!LMFAO!LMFAO!
Provided for their convenience, an easy disposal option in case of a cop rousting.
Ruf – though you are much wiser and older then I, I think we laugh our asses off at the same things. Still laughing.
Ok fine their ledges. But how does one get themselves to one of the lower ledges? I’d guess by using them as steps.
Either way I agree some idiot is going to fall in eventually. In fact, you just wait until someone at the Wild Sage is served a few too many drinks and ends up in the River. Good times.
Oh and DL – I agree nature makes better scenery, but humans always seem to want to put their touch on it. Look at Mt. Rushmore – can you honestly tell me a human artist could improve upon a mountain put there via nature (or if you are the religious type… from God)?
Thats just how we silly humans are. We actually are so conceited we think we can improve upon nature. How many people know that Sioux Falls used to have an island in the middle of the Big Sioux? It was a city park at one point… but some wise human thought it would be a good idea to fill in one side of the river to allow that land to be utilized.
Just another examle of human stupidity. Sort of like calling steps “ledges” and thinking that will in itself prevent people from falling/jumping/diving in the the river.
I knew about the island, and heard it was pretty cool and quite the destination.
Visually is it an improvement? Yup. Was it needed. Nope. It adds no economic value to that space unless you own the building it is next to. I think of all the wonderful things the city could purchase with $8 million dollars and just shake my head.
The problem is always the same. Mike Cooper has no comon sense
You ain’t a kidding. When he first ask for the $5 million for the bond and was asked what the money would be spent on, he said bike trail improvements and amentities. But had no clue what that was. Remember, this is when they were approving the bonds.
At Monday’s Informational meeting, Don Kearney, Director of Parks and Rec, and Jon Jacobson of Confluence gave a presentation on Phase I and II of the River Greenway Project. (see siouxfalls.org)
At the end of the presentation, when the Chair asked the eight Councilors if there were any questions……there was total silence……….NOT a single question.
This is the way that you represent 156,000 citizens!!??
Unbelievable!!!!!!!
Cr – Why would they ask questions? To make themselves look foolish for approving this project.