Cities and Rivers: A Difficult Marriage with New Potential
Last weekend I was in Ann Arbor, Michigan for a family wedding, and took the opportunity to explore the Huron River that runs through town. I rented a 2-person kayak at Gallup Park, one of several city parks along the river which offer boat rentals, and my daugher and I paddled vigorously upstream for an hour and then enjoyed an easy return trip. Along the way the riverscape looked wild and pristine, except for occasional glimpses of a bike path behind the trees, and a few high buildings reminding us that this is an urban river after all. Congratulations to the citizens of Ann Arbor, and the Huron River Watershed Council, for providing a wilderness experience along this urban river!
With weddings on my mind, it occurred to me that rivers and cities are a bit like marriage partners..."in sickness and in health." Cities depend on their rivers, but rarely give them the recognition they deserve. The river plays the role of the subdued, self-effacing and emotionally abused wife supporting her ambitious, ego-centric husband. Watershed groups serve as marriage councillors to help bring the relationship back into balance. When the city recognizes the beauty and importance of his river partner, and gives her renewed attention and listens to her needs, both the river and the city become healthier and happier.
Riverfront development is gaining ground as an approach to urban planning in the US and even more so in Europe. The SWITCH program is an EU-funded initiative that is trying to bring about an urban water paradigm shift and guide cities back into a healthy relationship with their rivers. This is what the Water-Culture Institute is trying to promote under the category of urban water ethics, May we and our rivers have a long and happy marriage!
Kayaking on the Huron River, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Huron Parkway over the Huron River (Gallup Park on left)
an urban resident of the Huron River
With weddings on my mind, it occurred to me that rivers and cities are a bit like marriage partners..."in sickness and in health." Cities depend on their rivers, but rarely give them the recognition they deserve. The river plays the role of the subdued, self-effacing and emotionally abused wife supporting her ambitious, ego-centric husband. Watershed groups serve as marriage councillors to help bring the relationship back into balance. When the city recognizes the beauty and importance of his river partner, and gives her renewed attention and listens to her needs, both the river and the city become healthier and happier.
Riverfront development is gaining ground as an approach to urban planning in the US and even more so in Europe. The SWITCH program is an EU-funded initiative that is trying to bring about an urban water paradigm shift and guide cities back into a healthy relationship with their rivers. This is what the Water-Culture Institute is trying to promote under the category of urban water ethics, May we and our rivers have a long and happy marriage!
Kayaking on the Huron River, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Huron Parkway over the Huron River (Gallup Park on left)
an urban resident of the Huron River
Posted by Dave Groenfeldt at 22 Aug 2010, 6:47 AM 
Categories: urban rivers, urban water ethics
Tags: Huron River urban rivers Ann Arbor Marriage counselling water ethics SWITCH program Huron River Watershed Council
Categories: urban rivers, urban water ethics
Tags: Huron River urban rivers Ann Arbor Marriage counselling water ethics SWITCH program Huron River Watershed Council
Comments