Water is a defining force that shapes the character of each place it touches. The role of water in transport, industry, sanitation, and nourishment made it the reason for human settlement. It is a feature to be celebrated—not treated just as cosmetic or as a commodity.
The Upper Mississippi River Conference, October 14-16, offers sessions on sensitive, site-specific urban riverfront planning that emphasize the individuality of each place. Featured will be Moline, and Winona, MN. When done right, riverfront redevelopment projects can be exciting and transformative, especially when their unique waterfront settings are called out.
Riverfronts, the unique places where land and water meet, are finite resources. Taking care to treat that edge is the subject of the WEDG Workshop on October 14th, in which the Waterfront Plan of Moline will be discussed, a project right outside the door of Stoney Creek Hotel, the site of the conference. This riverfront, like the city it helps define, is a dynamic place, and the waterfront plan gives Moline a chance to express its individuality and distinguish it from others. This entire six-acre site is public and will be featured along with guidelines for best treating the riverfront edge. Everyone is invited to take part in the exercise free of charge and stay for a hosted reception after. The Workshop is 2-4 p.m. for the Reception is 4—5:30 p.m.
It should be remembered that all riverfronts featured are an integral part of the Mississippi watershed, consisting of creeks and rivers. Those are represented at the conference, too. Johanshir Golchin, Director of the Energy and Environment Research Group, will speak on designs for the Mississippi River Basin that will lessen flooding. Go to riveraction.org/UMRC to learn more about the conference, featured speakers, and how to participate.
Keep in mind that much of the work on riverfronts is long-term. Many conversions take 10, 15, or 20 years. That is all the more reason to attend the Upper Mississippi River Conference this year, October 14-16 at Stoney Creek Hotel in Moline, to begin planning.