1. What does a restored Smoky Hill River mean for Salina?

When the river was diverted in the early 1960’s, as part of the flood protection of the city, Salina’s river identity completely went away. This loss of identity took with it a loss of memories, stories, experiences, habitat and educational opportunities. A restored river means a renewed community identity, a community-changing quality of life, an enlivened downtown, tourism opportunities, recreation and transportation alternatives, entertainment and educational opportunities. In short, this project means a new rejuvenated Salina with national acclaim as one of Kansas’ premier destinations for residents, business and tourism.

2. Where was the original Smoky Hill River channel and why was the river relocated?

The original or historical Smoky Hill River channel entered the City of Salina from the south in its current alignment, turned abruptly west at the bluffs of Indian Rock Park and continued west to East Prescott Road at 3rd Street, where it meandered to the north and east in a looping course around Kenwood and Oakdale Parks. Continuing to the north, it passed under East Iron Avenue in the vicinity of the Western Star Mill and wound its way farther to the north along Front Street and Oakdale Street. The river then curved to the east, following the alignment of Riverside Drive southeastward to Lakewood Park. At Lakewood Park it made a final curve to the north, around the Lakewood Park sand pit. The original channel gently curved and flowed east for several blocks on the north side of the current alignment of North Street and continued farther to the east, to its current alignment, north of the Salina Country Club.

The river was diverted as a flood-control measure. The original channel flowed through the heart of Salina, and because of the relatively flat topography of the city, flooding occurred frequently. The devastating flood of 1951 caused massive damage and in 1957, the Smoky Hill River Diversion Channel (Diversion Channel) was excavated from the north end of Bill Burke Park northward through the bluffs east of Indian Rock Park to create a bypass for the River to flow past Salina, and a system of earthen levees was constructed to protect Salina from floodwaters.

3. What is the difference between the Smoky Hill River, the Diversion Channel and the Old Channel of the Smoky Hill River?

The Smoky Hill River system in Salina consists of the Smoky Hill River channel upstream and downstream of Salina, the Diversion Channel described above, and the Old Channel of the Smoky Hill River (Old Channel) that the Diversion Channel bypasses. As stated above, a system of earthen levees was constructed in 1957 to 1961 to protect Salina from future river floodwaters, extending south from Indian Rock Park and north, approximately from East Iron Avenue. Those levees now separate the original, Old Channel from flows that continue northward through the man-made Diversion Channel. The Old Channel begins at the inflow valve that passes flows through the levee at Bill Burke Park and Indian Rock Park. From there, the Old Channel continues west and north, generally following the original or historic course of the channel, although minor realignment has occurred in limited segments. The Old Channel ends at the outflow pump station that passes flows through the levee where the Diversion Channel rejoins the original alignment of the Smoky Hill River downstream of Salina, just south of North Street.

4. How did the Old Channel deteriorate to its present condition?

Upstream river flows of the Smoky Hill River into the Old Channel are limited by the levee intake valve and other obstructions to flow, which reduces the normal seasonal flushing flows that maintain a healthy river system. Limited flow volumes in through the Old Channel mean shallower, slower flow, which causes suspended sediment in the water to be deposited in the Old Channel bottom. These sediments contain nutrients that can feed algae in the water. Shallower flows are also more susceptible to warming from the sun and storm water run-off from heated pavement, which further promotes algae growth. Additionally, the Old Channel receives urban storm water run-off from approximately five (5) square miles of the City, including downtown Salina. That run-off washes City street debris, oils and other accumulated material into the Old Channel. Finally, over the past 48 years the Old Channel has slipped from the featured focus of the community, and has suffered as community resources have been shifted to other priorities.

The City and Wright Water Engineers (WWE) are working with a local testing laboratory to coordinate the collection of channel sediment samples, and the follow-up testing of these samples. Preliminary testing results indicate there will be no special disposal requirements for the sediments. The Master Plan will include technical information that defines the significance of sedimentation, proposes potential methods for sediment control, including initial sketches, summaries of advantages and disadvantages of various options for sediment control and management, and conceptual cost projections.

5. Hasn’t the City paid for several river studies in the past? Why didn’t those plans work and what makes this plan so different?

There have been several notable river studies completed over the years for the Old Channel. Most have suggested that there are significant technical obstacles that would need to be overcome, namely;

a. Broad Community Support and Enthusiasm
b. Physical and Legal Water Supply
c. Accumulated Sediment removal
d. Private Property Ownership
e. Funding and Financing

The previous studies do contain valuable data and analysis that has been evaluated and used to provide background for the Master Plan. Present conditions indicate that many of these issues can be overcome as a part of the Smoky Hill River Renewal effort. Broad Community support and enthusiasm has been demonstrated over the past year at public outreach events, a physical and legal water supply application has been submitted for Recreational Water Rights that will provide water in all but periods of extended drought, and accumulated sediment removal has been quantified. An initial evaluation of private property easements and/or acquisition has been conducted and appears manageable through negotiation or phasing that can be addressed in the Master Plan. Now, with a preferred master plan identified, conceptual cost estimating can be prepared and potential funding sources can be identified.

6. Who owns the Old Channel of the Smoky Hill River?

The ownership of the Old Channel varies in different areas. There are portions of the channel that are specifically designated as parcels owned by the City, such as the channel along Riverside Drive adjacent to Lakewood Middle School. In other areas, ownership of adjacent properties extends to the center of the river channel. There are publicly-owned park and other municipal properties adjacent to at least one side of the Old Channel for 80 percent of its length so when possible, improvements have been located to minimize private property conflicts.

7. What is the biggest problem associated with restoring the Old Channel so that people can enjoy it?

Clearly, the biggest challenge has been to address the physical water supply and legal water rights to maintain reliable flows in the Old Channel. After considerable research and after preliminary input from regulatory agencies, we are reasonably confident that this challenge can be met initially through Recreational Use water rights permitting. The Recreational Use Water Rights application has been submitted and we expect to hear official confirmation of the application this summer.
Other challenges are:

• floodplain management,
• environmental permitting
• sediment removal and management.

Overall, there is reason to be confident that an adequate water supply can be provided and other challenges addressed in order to plan, design and implement a viable riverfront project.

8. I thought that the City didn’t have enough drinking water to accommodate future growth – how will it provide all the water for the Old Channel project?

The City of Salina is in the latter stages of a study to quantify future needs and methods to supply sufficient drinking water supplies for future growth. Preliminary Old Channel project water needs and sources have been coordinated with that effort through City of Salina staff. It will not interfere with current or future water availability for the city or surrounding agricultural uses.

Evaluations of historical river flow data indicate that in most years there is sufficient water flow in the upstream channel of the Smoky Hill River to divert additional water flow through the Old Channel. There will occasionally be periods when it would not be feasible to make diversions, or when only low flows could be diverted. Analysis of the historic data shows that low-flow or no-flow periods should be anticipated in summer months every eight to ten years, or potentially six (6) out of 120 months. During periods of low water availability, protocols consistent with City water use policies would be adopted for the Old Channel.

9. What are the water rights for the Old Channel?

Preliminary evaluations of historical flow rates indicate that it could be feasible to obtain a Recreational Use water right that could be assigned to the Old Channel. The Kansas Division of Water Resources (KDWR) is the agency responsible for assigning water rights. The City is committed to working with KDWR to gain approval of a clearly defined water right that will enable the City to proceed with planning, while protecting the rights of other water users.

The City has contracted with HDR Engineering of Kansas City, Missouri to prepare and submit the City’s Recreational Use Water Rights application with KDWR. The initial application has been submitted and a positive response is anticipated this summer.

10. Is it practical to expect that the Old Channel will have enough water for recreational uses? …as much water as it had in the 1940’s?

Yes and no, respectively.
Yes, it is practical to expect that during most years the Smoky Hill River will have enough water for people to enjoy a variety of riverfront experiences up to the maximum flow of 100 cubic feet per second. No, the flow volumes will not be maintained at the same volumes as the 1940’s when the entire flow of the Smoky Hill River was routed through the Old Channel.

11. Is the Old Channel in the floodplain?

Yes, the Old Channel of the Smoky Hill River is within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 100-year floodplain. Portions of adjacent neighborhood properties are also within the floodplain and must pay for flood insurance that can range from $400 to $1,200 annually. Clearing of debris and accumulated silt, along with removal of current impediments to flow in the Old Channel will not adversely effect the regulatory floodplain, and as the project progresses opportunities will be sought to improve floodplain conditions.

12. Is the Old Channel being used for storm drainage?

Yes, the Old Channel receives the urban storm water run-off from approximately five (5) square miles of the City, including southern portions of the City and downtown Salina. Storm water drainage that flows into the Old Channel is released through the levee into the Smoky Hill River downstream, north of the Salina Country Club. The Master Plan will identify techniques that could be used to improve the overall storm water quality along the river channel.

13. Have there been any environmental studies prepared that have identified wetlands, toxic soils or other hazards along the Old Channel?

Yes. An initial audit of existing and available information has been conducted through the National Environmental Data Base (EPA) and initial field reconnaissance observations have been made throughout the Old Channel corridor with regard to wetlands. A local testing laboratory has been contracted to collect and test channel sediment samples for contaminants. Preliminary test results indicate there will be no special disposal requirements for the sediments. As stated above, water quality is sufficient to meet standards as defined by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) allowing activities with bodily contact such as wading, canoeing and kayaking. Additionally, investigations have been conducted on potential contamination sites, in the vicinity of the Old Channel with preliminary results under review by the EPA. More detailed environmental studies are necessary and are to be conducted in sequence with future phases of the project.

14. The existing wooded areas of the Old Channel provide valuable habitat for fox, raccoons and other wildlife. How will the project provide for habitat?

In the South and North Channel reaches designated as “Natural-Amended Channel,” dead limbs will be removed from the channel bottom and accumulated sediment will be removed in portions of the channel to improve the water flow. A pedestrian trail on one side will be cleared near the low flow channel. Some downed trees will remain to provide continued habitat. Invasive and non-native vegetation will be removed over time to encourage the growth of improved understory vegetation.

15. Does the existing City Comprehensive Plan anticipate a riverfront or mixed use development or will the City Comprehensive Plan need to be revised?

The preparation of the Master Plan is consistent with the goals of the current draft of the Salina Comprehensive Plan and the specific recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan directly related to the Smoky Hill River Redevelopment Area. Upon adoption, key aspects of the Master Plan will be incorporated as an integral part of the Comprehensive Plan to guide future redevelopment and restoration of the Old River Channel. Potential future uses along portions of the Old River Channel are anticipated to require rezoning at some time in the future.

16. If the Master Plan is approved and the City or private developers decide to proceed with an initial phase of construction – who will maintain all the improvements?

Currently, the City is responsible for the maintenance, safety and operations of City riverfront functions and would likely continue in that capacity. Maintenance strategies such as forming a special operations and maintenance district for the proposed riverfront area will be determined as part of Phase Three – Implementation.

17. What is the current status of the planning and design process?

Work is currently focused on preparation of an Old Channel Master Plan, the second of a five (5) phase process to construct an initial project on the riverfront. In 2009, public outreach was conducted with strong public support for the river renewal. This year, early framework plans and the three Master Plan Alternatives were presented to over 700 attendees at the April 14th Public Open House to review and provide input on those alternatives The Preliminary Master Plan that has been prepared for the Smoky Hill River Festival represents the preferred direction for the final Master Plan. It will be presented to the Salina City Commission on Monday, June 14th, and refined over June and July to become the Final Mater Plan. The Final Master Plan is scheduled to be presented to City Commission on August 16th for adoption. The intent of the Master Plan is to identify appropriate planning, design and preliminary engineering responses to the specific opportunities associated with the restoration and redevelopment of the Old River Channel area of the Smoky Hill River.

Remaining phases following completion of the Phase 2 Master Plan include:

Phase 3-Implementation Guidelines & Primary Project Concept will define guidelines for public and private improvement responsibilities, overlay district (if any) responsibilities, redevelopment review processes, redevelopment incentives and will include a primary project concept (to test guidelines).

Phase 4 - Primary Project Design Development/ Construction Documents is envisioned as a public / private funding partnership to produce Design Development drawings and Construction Documents for the pilot project area improvements

Phase 5 - Initial Project Construction is the construction phase for the pilot project area through the public / private funding partnership.

18. What are the boundaries of the Master Plan?

The Smoky Hill River Renewal Master Plan will focus on improvements immediately adjacent to the Old River Channel and the Diversion Channel between the Old River Channel inflow and outflow. The River Master Plan Improvements Boundary is illustrated on the Preliminary Master Plan with a blue dashed line on each side of the channel.

A project influence area is defined by E. Crawford Street, on the south; S. 8th Street on the west; E. North Street on the north; and the east bank of the Smoky Hill River upstream and Diversion Channel on the east. Within the project influence area, consideration has been given to destinations and land use, access and circulation routes to the river, neighborhoods and other influences that are directly related to Master Plan improvements.

19. How does the Master Plan affect property owners that own land along the river?

The Master Plan has been developed to improve private property values and to promote re-investment in areas along the river where future changes in land use are anticipated over the next 20-30 years. The Master Plan also seeks to minimize private property impacts where current uses are anticipated to remain the same. For example, where practicable, improvements have been located on the opposite side of the river from residential properties, on publicly-owned or non-residential property. There are publicly-owned park and other municipal properties adjacent to at least one side of the Old Channel for 80 percent of its length so when possible, improvements have been located to minimize private property conflicts.

In some areas, private property boundaries extend to the center of the river channel. Construction of improvements, access across private property with trails or even in boats on the water may require outright property acquisition, acquisition of public river right-of-way, or some other form of easement. Most frequently, public right-of-way dedications and easements are made at the time of property redevelopment or in a public private partnership agreement. The Master Plan will identify these conditions, but specific acquisition, right of way and easements will be the subject of Phase Three -Implementation.

20. Who is involved in preparing the Smoky Hill Master Plan?

The City-funded Master Plan is being managed at the direction of Martha Tasker, Salina Director of Utilities, as the Project Manager. The City has retained Design Studios West, Inc. (DSW) as the lead consultant firm with Wright Water Engineers, Inc,(WWE) to prepare the overall Master Plan.

A Master Plan Advisory Committee (MAC) and a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) have been established to provide advisory oversight to the DSW Team. The MAC and TAC meet at critical milestone junctures of the project, to ensure consistency in direction with the community desires expressed in Phase One.

Members of the MAC include
Brad Stuewe, Chair of MAC; Chair of the Friends of the River Foundation
Dean Andrew; Director of Planning and Floodplain Manager, City of Salina
Sydney Soderburg: City Planning Commissioner and Former Mayor
David Rodine; Downtown Business Owner of Burger King
Daran Neuschafer; Past Board Member of Chamber of Commerce
Vicki Koepsel; Planner with Saline County
Lloyd Davidson; Banking and Business
Steve Ryan; Former Mayor and Chair of Friends of the River Economic Development
Andy Martin; Salina Area United Way
Bob Ash; City Parks and Recreation Superintendent

Members of the TAC include;
Martha Tasker, Chair of TAC; Director of City Utilities
Troy Vancil; President of Friends of the River Foundation
Kristin Gunn; Former Mayor and Chair of Friends of the River
Environmental Committee
Ron Chandler; Professional Engineer and Former Owner of Wilson
and Company
Mike Fraser; City Director of Public Works
Dan Stack; City Engineer
Neil Cable; County Engineer
Steve Synder; City Director of Parks and Recreation
Gary Hobbie; City Director of Community and Development
Services
Mike Schrage; Deputy City Manager
Barbara Johnson; Kansas State University

There is a strong City commitment to make certain that a variety of public, private
technical/professional individuals were actively involved throughout the master planning process.

21. How do I find out more about this project? Is there a person I can contact?

The City website (www.salina.org) includes additional information on the project under Smoky Hill River Renewal Master Plan. The City-funded Master Plan is being managed at the direction of Martha Tasker, Salina Director of Utilities, as the Project Manager (785) 309-5725. MAC and TAC members (above) may also be contacted to provide information.

22. Who are the Friends of the River and why are they involved in the River?

The Friends of the River is a 501c3, non-profit organization that began in September 2007 when a group of six citizens met to discuss their common concern over the deteriorating state of the Old Channel. The organization was formally established in January 2009. They are dedicated to the following Mission Statement:

“The Friends of the River strives to restore the natural channel of the Smoky Hill River to its role as an integral part of the aesthetic, recreational and economic life of Salina. The Friends of the River will endeavor to gain understanding of options for improving the river and levees, to assess the viability of those options and to collaborate with other partners in developing the river’s potential as a resource for our community.”

The Friends of the River has approximately 80 volunteers actively engaged in the following Committees:

• Environmental
• Educational
• Community and Neighborhoods
• Recreation and Wellness
• Economic Development
• Public Relations
• Facilities

The Friends of the River Foundation can be contacted at:
Friends of the River Foundation: 501c3 Non-Profit Organization
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 953, Salina, KS 67402
Office Location: 159 South 4th Street, Salina, KS 67401
Phone Number: (785) 493-8491
Internet Address: www.smokyhillriver.org

23. What is the schedule for the Master Plan, and when are the public or community presentations scheduled?

The Master Plan is scheduled to be completed by October, 2010. Below is a detailed work schedule that the citizens of Salina can provide input and track the progress of the Master Plan;

1. Project Orientation:
MAC & TAC Joint Workshop #1 – January 14, 2010

2. Master Plan Framework
MAC & TAC Workshop #2 – March 1, 2010

3. Master Plan Alternatives:
Community Open House #1
and MAC & TAC Workshop #3 – April 12, 2010, Monday, 3:00pm – 9:00pm;
Location: The Warehouse at 149 South 4th Street

4. Community Open House #2 - June 11, 12, 13, 2010, Friday - Sunday,; Daily;
Location: Smoky Hill River Festival
and MAC & TAC Workshop #4,
Joint Planning & City Commission Work Session– The Preferred Plan
June 14, 2010, Monday, 2:30pm Joint Work Session - Planning & City Commissions, Location: Salina City Commission Chambers

5. MAC & TAC Workshop #5, and
Joint Planning & City Commission Work Session & Public Hearing – Final Master Plan
August 16, 2010, Monday, 2:30pm; Joint Work Session - Planning & City Commissions
August 16, 2010, Monday, 4:00pm- 7:00pm; City Commission Adoption Proceedings

The City has established a Website that all citizens can access and provide input on the Master Planning process at: www.salina.org

24. What happens this fall, when the Master Plan is completed?

Upon completion of the Master Planning process City Staff, representatives of the MAC and TAC committees, and the DSW Consulting Team will make a formal presentation to the Planning Commission and City Commission offering summary recommendations for the Master Plan. The Planning Commission and City Commission will be asked to adopt, or adopt with conditional revisions, the Master Plan as an official planning document for the Master Plan area through the standard public hearing processes. Upon adoption, key aspects of the Master Plan will be incorporated as an integral part of the “City Comprehensive Plan” to guide future redevelopment and restoration of the Old River Channel.

25. Does the Master Plan demonstrate and confirm that adequate water can be provided to create a healthy river project?

Yes. The Master Plan improvements considers periods of high, average, and low flows including periods of extended drought. Provisions in the Master Plan include:

• a range of diversion rates consistent with potential seasonal diminished flow rates,
• reaches of concrete-lined channel with inflatable dams to capture diminished flow in permanent pool areas.
• a pump-back system that can recirculate channel water,

During periods of extended drought, the concrete-lined channel near downtown and at Midway will be able to hold a permanent pool of ponded water, even when the rest of the channel is nearly dry. The master plan also considers potential untreated water supplements from golf course or other City wells. The potential acquisition of additional senior water rights has also been considered as an alternative.

26. What level of water quality can be anticipated after Master Plan improvements?

Current water quality of the Smoky Hill River is sufficient to meet standards as defined by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) allowing bodily contact such as wading, canoeing and kayaking. The Master Plan does not propose swimming. Facilities are proposed in the Master Plan to reduce sediment that will settle in the channel. While the channel water clarity will be improved, very fine clay particles will continue to remain the water, making the water’s appearance less than clear.

27. If the City approves the Smoky Hill River Master Plan and incorporates the plan into the City Comprehensive Plan when would the first project be started?

The current schedule anticipates construction design starting six (6) months after defining funding. With approval of the Master Plan, Phases Three – Implementation Guidelines, and Four- Primary Project Design Development and Construction Drawings (see Question #17, above) could be completed in preparation of Phase Five - Construction. During that time period, construction funding would need to be identified and secured.

28. Where would the first improvements, or Primary Phase, be constructed?

The first improvements anticipated would be those that are necessary to re-establish water flow in the river. Generally, those improvements would be located between Bill Burke Park and Oakdale Park. Improvements include the head gate in-flow structure at the north end of Bill Burke Park, existing culvert modification to pass flows, accumulated sediment removal between Bill Burke Park and Midway and an initial trail connection between Bill Burke Park and Oakdale Park. These and potentially other improvements would occur in coordination with public and private funding availability and adjacent private development.

29. How much will the Primary Phase cost?

Estimates for construction the primary phase improvements are $18-23 million, to re-establish flows, initiate a downtown riverwalk between Founders Park and Walnut Street and provide trail linkage between Bill Burke Park and Oakdale Parks. Specific improvements include:

• Water rights,
• River intake gates and Sediment Basin at Bill Burke Park
• Temporary piping under S. Ohio Street
• Sediment removal ( Bill Burke Park to Founders Park)
• Tree/brush clearing in channel
• Initial trail and trailhead improvements- (Bill Burke Park to Walnut Street)
• Concrete channel & Riverwalk (Between Walnut Street and Founders Park)
• Landscape Enhancements
• Western Star Mill Dam improvements,
• Iron Avenue Culvert/Bridge replacement
• Outdoor education facilities at Lakewood Middle School

30. How much will it cost to implement the Master Plan as illustrated?

The Master Plan river improvements will span a time frame of 25-30 years. The full range of improvements over that time is still being defined. All downtown riverfront improvement projects are complex and involve a combination of public and private investment that can significantly influence cost parameters.

The final Master Plan will outline a preliminary “opinion of probable construction cost” for public improvements based on the final master plan using that cost opinion for master planning purposes. That preliminary cost opinion will provide the City, State and Federal agencies with a better sense of “cost allowances” for such items as; river improvements (natural restoration and urban river improvements), riverfront structures, roadway and pedestrian crossings, trails, water rights and stormwater improvements.

31. What’s the difference between Public and Private improvements in the Master Plan?

The Master Plan illustrates both public and private improvements, with public master plan improvements focused within the dashed blue lines on each side of the river channel. Public improvements to the river channel are proposed to improve the value of riverfront property and attract private investment in the form of new development. The Master Plan also includes some visioning of possible public improvements outside of the immediate river channel (Bicentennial Center expansion, for example), that the river improvements must compliment and support, but are not included in river Master Plan improvement costs.

32. How will public Master Plan improvements be funded?

Other communities that have redeveloped their riverfronts have used combinations of public and private funding sources. Typically, public sources include a combination of local, State and Federal dollars associated with economic development; drainage, flooding or water quality; environmental or transportation improvements. Most State and Federal funding applications provide for only a portion of a specified project cost, requiring the local community to contribute a specified funding “matching” portion of funding to qualify for funding consideration. Private funding sources for public improvements include Corporate and Charitable Foundation gifts and grants. Examples of funding sources or partners that may be applicable to the Smoky Hill River Renewal include:

Federal
• American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) “Stimulus” – shovel ready projects
• Economic Development Administration (EDA) - Economic revitalization
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Water Quality enhancements & NPDES – Stormwater Management
• US Army Corps of Engineers (US ACE) - Grants for river restoration and wetlands
• US Fish and Wildlife Service - Wetlands/ Habitat enhancement/ restoration
• US Department of Transportation (DOT) – Trails & Bridge and Culvert Replacement

State
• Kansas Water Office (KWO)
• Kansas Division of Water Resources (KDWR)
• Kansas Division of Health and Environment (KDHE)

Local
• City of Salina - General Fund Budget items for:
- Public Works Utilities/Transportation// Storm and Flood Control/ Parks & Rec/
• Transient Lodging Tax
• Local Option Sales Tax

Local funding in other communities has frequently been provided through a local tourism and lodging tax, local sales tax, or tax increment financing (TIF) within an improvement district that is created where the improvements will benefit businesses. Local tax initiatives require voter approval through an election. Examples of community projects in Salina receiving a portion of sales tax funding include:

• Kenwood Cove Aquatic Park,
• Magnolia Soccer Fields,
• Bicentennial Center

Private Charitable Foundations providing charitable grants are also a frequent source of funding at local, state and national levels. Examples of Salina community projects that have been funded in part by charitable foundations include:

• Salina Community Theatre Smoky Hill Museum
• Stiefel Theater Dean Evans Stadium
• Downtown Improvements Sunset Park War Memorial
• Magnolia Soccer Fields Eric Stein Stage (Oakdale Park)
• Central High School Stadium Turf Salina Art Center
• First Tee Program Golf Course…and,
• Smoky Hill River Renewal – Phase One, Public Outreach

33. What share of local funding have similar projects had to provide?

The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo (HARP) in Colorado has constructed $32 million in improvements to date. Of that amount, $12 million was provided locally by a voter-approved bond issue. The remaining $20 million was provided through a series of Federal, State and other grants, including funds from charitable foundations. However, no two riverfront projects are alike and require detailed engineering analysis to outline project components and competitive applications for public and private grants.

34. There is an on-going discussion between the City and County over the future of Oakdale Park and Kenwood Park. Will the Smoky Hill River Renewal Master Plan help to resolve this issue?

We think so. The current City/County Ownership/Management Agreement is the subject of on-going discussion between the City of Salina and Saline County at this time. The alternatives that were presented to the public at the April 12, 2010 Community Meeting provided both City and County elected officials with reasonable input and direction on the desired uses and activities for this important area. The Preliminary Master Plan further describes the preferred direction from public input received at the Open House.

35. Are there some cities like Salina that have completed a river improvement project?

Yes. As stated above, DSW and WWE have collaborated on similar successful river improvement projects throughout the United States. Perhaps the most well-known riverfront improvement project in the nation is the San Antonio Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. Other noteworthy riverfront improvement planning and design projects are, Little Sugar Creek in Charlotte, North Carolina; Tennessee Riverpark in Chattanooga, Tennessee; the South Platte River Greenway in Denver; and the Oklahoma City Bricktown riverwalk. A Riverwalk/Greenways Project matrix is provided below, reduced from display boards at public outreach events. An enlargement of the matrix is also posted on the Friends of the River website at www.smokyhillriver.org