Rock the River

The river renaissance includes a river walk, outdoor gym, and
areas for the people to enjoy the Rock River. 4/6/19 (dwm) 

My hometown is reclaiming the river that runs through it.

Janesville tore out the parking lot built over the river back when downtown was where the people went shopping.

In doing so, three city blocks of river were revealed for the first time in decades.

Lots of work continues on both sides of the river to create a town square and festival park.  The east side of the river will be linked to west with a pedestrian bridge.  What was a parking lot will became a place to meet.

Looking east across Rock River
toward the Court House (on hill)
4/6/2019 dwm photo

Years ago, mom parked the family car on the deck above the river when we went into Bostwicks or Penney's to shop for clothes.

I was more excited when she agreed to go in Woolworth's where I could dream about the food counter and look at the fish in their aquariums.

The work started in 2017.  If it stays on track it could be finished at some point in 2020.  The Milwaukee Street bridge is being reconstructed this year.  Court Street hosts an outdoor gym across from the town square.

The work started in 2017.       (7/4/2017   dwm photo)

Near the stage of town square (above photo) is a water park and grassy area to watch the kids play in the water or watch the world go past.

I like it.  It is 180 degrees different from what it was.  Janesville is 180 degrees different too.  Gone is Parker Pen with its downtown headquarters.  General Motors is gone and all the jobs and supporting businesses with them both.

It is a new community looking to its new century - celebrating the Rock River which gave it its start.