The Riverwalk in Pueblo (Part 2)

More from our afternoon at the Riverwalk in Pueblo on Sunday. They are thinking of doing a similar thing here in Colorado Springs, with Monument Creek downtown. I had actually dreamed up the same concept many years ago, long before the Pueblo Riverwalk came into being (and I'm sure I'm not the only one who's come up with it), and lately when the city government seriously started discussing the idea, I really pondered whether it would be a good thing or not. I've concluded it would be a real benefit, even though there may be some environmental disruptions for the wildlife that live in and along Monument Creek -- but I think the problems would be minor and could be worked around. I hope the idea grows legs and becomes a great public space for everyone to enjoy. I think Pueblo is lucky to have the Riverwalk and it'd be pretty cool if we had something similar here.

The Riverwalk is lined with public art, like this sculpture of Canada geese, almost every step of the way.

This is the spot where the Riverwalk ends and the Arkansas reverts back to its natural state.

A tribute to Zebulon Pike, for whom Pikes Peak is named.

The Veterans' Bridge.

The Riverwalk in Pueblo (Part 1)

Pat and I drove down to Pueblo on a whim yesterday and spent an hour or two exploring the Riverwalk. Since it was Easter, we thought it would be overrun with families enjoying the holiday, but we were pleasantly surprised to find it almost deserted. I'll share a few pictures today and a few more tomorrow. Enjoy!

Pueblo is only 30 minutes south of us but sits at 4,692 feet above sea level, an altitude drop of more than 1,300 feet from Colorado Springs, thus spring comes a little earlier there. The eastern redbud is already in full bloom in Pueblo.

You can go for a gondola ride at the Riverwalk! Fun!

My best guess is that this must have been a hotel when it was first built, probably over 100 years ago. Being fireproof was a big selling point in those days. Can you imagine?!?

There are also paddle boats on the Riverwalk. This would be fun to try someday.  Tomorrow, more pictures from our afternoon in Pueblo!

Now hear this!

My final image from my afternoon at the Pueblo Riverwalk: these Canada geese were honking up a storm as I left. I couldn't resist capturing them in mid-honk!

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One last view of the Pueblo Riverwalk, looking east (I think). Wouldn't it be nice to have a suite in that building on the left? What a great location!

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A view of the Pueblo Riverwalk District looking north (I think!), with the gold-domed Pueblo County Building in the distance. If I lived in Pueblo, I'd be doing photo shoots here every day -- it's just so photogenic!

Water falls

A bird's eye view of one of the mandmade waterfalls at the Pueblo Riverwalk.

The Riverwalk Building in Pueblo

The Arkansas river runs through Pueblo (35 miles south of Colorado Springs), and in the past few years there has been a very successful urban renewal project along the banks of the river. The district called the Riverwalk is designed 100% for public use, with restaurants, shops, an ampitheatre, public art, and acres of wide sidewalks that follow the river. I shot a wedding at the Riverwalk Building on Saturday. I've never had the pleasure. What a nice place! And afterward I spent a little time strolling the Riverwalk and taking a few pictures for the blog. This is the Riverwalk Building, where the wedding took place. Over the next few days I'll share a few more images from the Pueblo Riverwalk.