A River Runs Through Us
There’s something I’ve always been interested in since moving to Wausau. It’s our big old river. Yes, I understand the history of logging and mills and industry hugging the banks and as a result most of the venerable stream meanders through our fair city without engaging us overly much.
There are Oak and Fern Islands, Gilbert and Memorial Parks, another couple of seldom-used parks on the west bank, the sometimes kayaking run of whitewater, and some stretches of “riverwalk” paths. But for the most part, there’s scrub and old warehouses, a cement company, some sort of hardware wholesaler and other businesses, fenced-off no-man’s land, etc. No news to any of our residents. I have heard some ideas and proposals for this and that project, but nothing so far that I’d say represents a grand vision for incorporating the river into our culture and identity in a big way. I just think of the communities I’ve been in where their river weaves its way through the very heart of the local identity, with long stretches of riverside roads and parks, cafes, promenades, amenities and all that. What great use of a natural resource for everyone’s benefit.
So, here in Wausau … How about more reclamation and beautification projects, more public access, more visual access, boat/canoe/kayak rentals, fishing docks, a riverside cultural and entertainment corridor, interesting lighting of bridges and shorelines, etc.?
Well, I don’t expect any of our CW contributors to come forward with said grand vision for the whole river, but maybe someone here and someone there can offer things like, “I know of a stretch over by wherever that might be available for public access if it’s cleaned up.” or “My uncle owns a parcel that he wants to sell cheap.” or “I am fabulously wealthy and I want to contribute to a huge river project.” Hope springs eternal, eh? But ideas flow like a river; let’s open the dam and see what drifts by.
barrydliss said:
Who is this guy Tom Neal? What a beautiful post!
Barry
October 31st, 2007 at 4:26 pm #
Dino Corvino said:
Oddly enough Tom Neal teaches at the clown college in St. Louis, but is from here. He maintains a home here, and his family is being raised here.
Its an amazing dual life he lives.
October 31st, 2007 at 5:51 pm #
stevek said:
Great post. I was saddened by how close we pushed the first tower downtown to the shore line. most cities use that wonderful history of a river to develop a park like feel to as much of the shore as possible. I went to Austin TX a few years ago and there are a lot of river side parks. I wish that we had more of that here. Great call!
October 31st, 2007 at 7:23 pm #
Tom Neal said:
Dino … it’s the clown UNIVERSITY, not college, you bozo! Thanks, Barry and Steve. San Antonio has that great River Walk, been there forever. But look at Milwaukee, in recent years, they’ve been reclaiming their abused and ignored river and now it’s becoming a major feather in their cap, spurring lots of growth and improvement. It’s gone from a smelly, veritable open sewer to a tour boat route lined by parks, night clubs, restaurants, condos, offices, walks, micro breweries, etc. Maybe it’s not ready to be a trout stream yet, but wow, great job so far. I know Wausau doesn’t have the sort of financial wherewithal to rival the scope of that success story, but our stretch of river is shorter and our possibly simpler solutions may still be achievable.
November 1st, 2007 at 6:31 am #
deitb5622 said:
I would completely agree with Tom in regards to the idea of cleaning up the riverside and bring the community closer to its natural beauty. I do appreciate what Wausau has done with the bike/walk paths along the river by the VFW and along Oak Island Park, as well as the trails across the river. It would be great to see a small little cafe or something along any of these places to possibly grab a sandwich or maybe a coffee, just to enjoy a small treat with a little bit of scenery. Although these trails have given me more peace and serenity than any other place in Wausau, with just a few fixes it could really help bring the rest of the community to such peace. Great post Tom, thanks for that, the closing line really wrapped up your thoughts perfectly!
November 7th, 2007 at 10:27 am #
deitb5622 said:
Also, I forgot to sign my name on that last post!
Buck D.
November 7th, 2007 at 10:28 am #
janeal said:
Tom’s wife and eight kids do spend part of their summers in St. Lousi at the clown University.
November 7th, 2007 at 3:20 pm #