Multi-development Florence's Veterans Park a 'diamond in the rough'

This is the second in an occasional series on how Veterans Park could be developed in relation to the Retirement Systems of Alabama economic development partnership with Shoals communities.

Veterans Park is Florence's "diamond in the rough." Could it even be north Alabama's "diamond in the rough?" While it appears some sort of mega-retailer is the main development idea at Veterans Park, I offer a different vision -- a vision influenced by my view that "We are a River City!"

The Tennessee River provides us tremendous advantages. It is one of our biggest assets. It is an interstate highway. It is here today. It does not have to be built. It is supported and maintained at little or no expense to our local tax base.

What incentive must we have to make use of it? Commerce, recreation and the river flow by us 24/7/365. This interstate highway links us to the world. One example: coal from China and aluminum from Russia arrive in the Port of Florence for delivery by truck and rail to factories employing U.S. citizens.

Yes, we have a multi-modal port. Recreational boaters can and do reach our shores from all over north America as well as from Europe and other continents. "We are a River City!"

I suggest turning Veterans Park into Florence's premier waterfront venue.

Veterans Park, unlike McFarland Park, does not have the periodic problem of floodwater. It is located on Wilson Lake, where water levels are tightly controlled. Veterans Park is also adjacent to the Renaissance Tower, the Marriott Hotel and Spa and the conference center.

It is also near the upstream terminus of the River Heritage Trail. These landward developments form an anchor for future development, especially if one strives to look 20 to 25 years into the future.

Veterans Park is the next major development issue. It is imperative to realize that the wrong development at Veterans Park will forever deprive our community of a wonderful park environment and perhaps its premier presence on the water.

A look at the area around Veterans Park reveals undeveloped property.

The right growth in the Renaissance Tower complex area could very well fuel diverse and appealing economic growth for years to come.

The steep, but short, banks of Wilson Lake are amenable to pavilions and open overlooks of Wilson Lake. Connect them with walking and biking paths that circumscribe the park. Use a tunnel or pedestrian overpass to cross Wilson Dam Road. Connect the improvements and developments in Veterans Park to the River Heritage Trail and the tower complex.

Local boaters and, importantly, visiting boaters, would like to access the fine facilities at the Marriott, the tower and the conference center. Those same visiting boaters in other communities have been found to attract the local citizenry to the waterfront to see the comings and goings.

Develop a portion of the Veterans Park waterfront into short-term dockage and accommodate visiting boaters as well as local boaters. Such waterfront development could even form the basis for some dinner/cruise boat like found in Louisville, Nashville, Chattanooga or Mobile.

Riverfront development provides a stimulus for other economic enterprises. Set aside space overlooking Wilson Lake for one or more restaurants to provide the opportunity for quality dining with a view that does not exist today. Preserve the park environment for the first several hundred yards. Beyond the park environment, provide planned space for small, unique stores and other retail outlets to cater to and arguably attract a larger and more diverse clientele than a mega-outdoor retailer.

One does not have to travel far to witness other waterfront visions becoming realities. On Town Creek, off the upper reaches of Wilson Lake, the former Doublehead Resort is selling its cabins. Other homes will be built. Along Elk River, lots are available for development in places like The Point.

And just 45 miles downstream, in rural Tishomingo County, Miss., and Hardin County, Tenn., first and second homes, golf courses and condominiums continue to be built. An impressive example of realizing the value of the river and waterfront is Grand Harbor Marina and Condominiums, just off the Tennessee River in Yellow Creek.

The resulting residents will come to the Shoals for health care, entertainment, dining, shopping and tourism. This growth is important. Barring a prolonged economic calamity, it is unstoppable. Moreover, it is inevitable.

Therefore, it is very important that we preserve the increasingly few remaining places where the citizens of the community may access and enjoy this great natural asset we call the Tennessee River.

Surely others see the beauty in Veterans Park. With so much at stake, now is the time for our elected leaders to create a joint public-private task force to gather ideas and formulate the suggestions that can bring out the brilliance in the Veterans Park-diamond.

"We are a River City!"

Gary Akin is a Florence resident.