Wetumpka Prepares for Rapid Riverfront Redevelopment

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By Tamika Bickham

Story Created: Jun 1, 2012 at 8:58 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jun 4, 2012 at 4:29 PM CDT

This weekend's Coosa River Whitewater Festival attracts people from all over the country. Soon, the city's riverfront may change to bring in visitors for more than just rapids.

The festival is making a big splash in Wetumpka this weekend, but city leaders are hoping some new plans for the riverfront will draw constant crowds.

"We are hoping that our downtown can be designed in a way that becomes more pedestrian freindly, more bike friendly, and opens it up to a whole new venue for us," said Mayor Jerry Willis.

One that will include riverside restaurants, even downtown lofts, and an amphitheater.

Chris Raybon says he spends most of his time on the Coosa River.

"Out here three times per week and every weekend testing boats and fishing," said Raybon.

He says he would like to see more riverfront access with extended walkways and additional places to dock.

"You'd get more people to come here, more places to fish, and more people doing the recreational thing," said Raybon.

Mayor Willis says it's all in the plans and says the finished product will make not only their citizens proud, but everyone else around them.

"This is not only about Wetumpka, but about the entire River Region," said Mayor Willis.

Wetumpka business owners like Stephanie Harrison say they look forward to the payoff.

"There's so many shops here, so many businesses here that could thrive from that.. The river is right here. So why can't we be like downtown Montgomery?" asked Harrison.

Mayor Willis says the same planning company who did the planning for Montgomery's riverfront is doing it for Wetumpka's. He says he doesn't know how much it will all cost yet, but says they do have a grant secured to help with some of the costs.

The official plans for the riverfront redevelopment will be presented at a public meeting. That meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on June 18th at the Wetumpka Civic Center.
 
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