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 Kansas Riverfront Reclamation: Developing a Model for
Public Collaboration
Topeka
was founded on the banks of the Kansas River at a crossing point on the
Oregon Trail. Transportation by both river and rail made
Topeka
the hub of economic activity in the region. The city has
since
evolved far from its roots. After devastating floods in the
1950s, protective levees were built, separating Topeka from the
river. Today, the riverbank is dotted with a few working
industrial sites scattered among neglected and abandoned areas.
The river still supplies drinking water for the city and surrounding
rural communities, but it is otherwise unutilized by Topeka’s
citizens. It is physically separated from downtown Topeka, an
area that also suffers from a negative public image.
Through a new government initiative, things are about to
change.
The Kansas Water Plan, adopted by the state legislature, encourages
water-based recreation that will “protect, provide and
improve
outdoor recreation and natural resources” and contribute both
to
public health and economic growth. To support the Water Plan,
the
legislature created the Riverfront Development Authority (RDA) in
2006. The RDA is working with city officials, the city
planning
department, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reunite the people
of Kansas with the Kansas River.
AIA
Topeka
is supporting these efforts through a series of community planning
workshops involving local businesses and residents, students and
faculty from the University of Kansas and Kansas State University,
design professionals, and others to develop a shared vision for the
Kansas River.
Riverfront development can be an important catalyst for revitalization
of the downtown areas of both Topeka and North Topeka. The
project can provide a vibrant urban space, accessible to all, and a
healthy mix of commercial, civic and residential developments that
respect the surrounding environment.
Through “roundtable” discussions, planning
workshops,
lectures, presentations, and design studies, citizens of Topeka are
exploring topics of sustainable design, community identity,
revitalization of the urban core, and conservation of scarce
resources. Through this process, they can reclaim their
river,
their central business district, and their pride in Topeka.
While much work has been accomplished, the RDA is still in its
formative stages. AIA
Topeka
presented its ideas to the RDA Board in early 2007, where they were met
with enthusiasm for involving local citizens in the planning process.
AIA
Topeka
will host events encouraging diverse segments of the community to
provide their input on the future of the riverfront. The
dialogue
will be highlighted by two student competitions – one for
architecture students at the University of Kansas and Kansas State
University, and another for elementary and high school students.
At the annual AIA Kansas conference to be held in Topeka, there will be
a public ceremony presenting the riverfront ideas developed throughout
the year. City officials will be invited to participate in a
panel discussion of the ideas.
In addition, a web site, www.reclaimourriver-topeka.org,
has been developed to engage the community and help share information.
View
all Blueprint Initiatives
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