electricron wrote:I do not see anything but an empty cistern in that photo under Tokoyo. What creativity?
You can go down to the Trinity River and wade across it most of the year, canoe or raft down it others, and jet ski on it during floods. Do you really need a 10 feet wide concrete sidewalk/bike-path to enjoy it with a camera? Do you have two feet, two legs, bug spray, and the willingness to hike over terrain?
If it is not appealing to you, that doesnt mean it isnt appealing to others.
That particular example is a new cistern built to maintain water levels.
Inspite of its lack of history, there is a visitor center there. because people want to visit!
Cisterns are giant empty spaces, used for concerts, shooting movies, etc.
There are many examples of cisterns being tourist attractions, Here's the Basilica Cistern in Turkey.
basilica-cistern-istanbul.jpg
And no one is realistically suggesting that we are going to replace the river with a giant tunnel.
And no one is demanding we built a Cistern exactly like in Turkey or paris.
Just some creativity, other than patchwork remodeling on an idea that was cutting edges in the 1930s!
And yes, I have 2 feet and bug spray, so I can hike. At that point i might as well drive 2-3 hours away for a proper hike instead of me walking thru a flat ditch.
But that isnt the point. ITs about lowering the barrier of entry for recreation.
Think of a family with kids going biking at White Rock Lake.
Its exceedingly popular even during this pandemic, part of which due to a concrete path,
A full loop around the lake, with plenty of access points with parking.
The trinity river can be more popular than White rock! I see a good amount of bikers all the time.
And we are starting to see some of that today. Trammel Crow parking lot is full every day.
The Pedestrian Bridge next to the calatrava brdige is full all the time. Parking is full all the time.
So yes, all the bling is helping, the demand has always been there, and there is demand for more.
Some easy fixes would make what is already there more functional.
There is a concrete path down from the levee/pedestrian bridge on one shore of the river.
Another concrete path on the other side of river would complete the loop.
A 2nd parking lot on that side would lessen the crowd on the other side of the river.
Concrete paths down from the levees at every major bridge intersection would be ideal.
That way you wouldnt have to drive/bike to the existing ones and clog them up.
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