Ribbon-cutting event at new performance plaza north of Douglas
The newly constructed riverbank improvements between Douglas and Second Street will open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Friday at the riverbank plaza located north of the Drury Plaza Broadview.
Scheduled speakers include Mayor Carl Brewer, Vice Mayor Lavonta Williams, who represents Council District I, and Council Member Janet Miller, representing District VI, both of which border the project. Council Members Pete Meitzner and Jeff Longwell also plan to attend.
The new path and amenities extend the riverbank improvements between Seneca and Second Street which were constructed in 2007 as part of the Keeper of the Plains renovations.
This $1.5 million project utilizes the space west of the Drury Plaza Broadview in a new way, creating a unified space that expands usability for the general public as well as hotel patrons. Accessible walkways allow easy access to and from Douglas, Waco and the hotel itself. Terraces provide multiple access points and opportunities for people to enjoy the river views. A small performance space (the site of the ribbon-cutting) permits use of the area for special events such as weddings. Added lighting increases security and extends the hours for use of the space, as does elevating the lower walk, which will decrease times of flooding and maintenance costs.
The new space is already being enjoyed by downtown workers, residents and visitors, and will receive even more use during the River Festival, which begins with the Sundown parade later in the day June 3.
Parking will be available in the Broadview parking garage on the east side of Waco; access the plaza via the walkway west of Waco.
