Published: October 16, 2009 10:23 pm         

TRIBUNE-STAR EDITORIAL: ISU involvement in Riverscape good for community

TERRE HAUTE — The Riverscape project and the prospects for a revitalized downtown Terre Haute got a positive jolt last week from Indiana State University President Daniel Bradley.

In his fall address, Bradley declared ISU an active supporter of plans to develop the banks of the Wabash River and the downtown district. He presented tangible efforts by the university to help the city capitalize on two unique assets — the Wabash and ISU.

That’s a win-win for Terre Haute, and Bradley’s detailed commitment should be hailed by the community.

The river remains a largely untapped resource here. Some hardy fishermen and occasional boaters use the Wabash, and visitors to Fairbanks Park enjoy the view as its waters ripple past, as do residents of the small village of Dresser on the west bank. Otherwise, most people rarely encounter the river. Passing motorists on the twin Theodore Dreiser and Paul Dresser bridges can’t even fully glimpse the Wabash; the spans’ concrete sides obscure the vista. The waterway’s under appreciation is ironically sad, considering its local segment inspired Indiana’s state song, “On the Banks of the Wabash (Far Away).”

Riverscape would turn the river into a community focal point. The concepts under consideration include using nearly 3,000 acres of the waterfront for recreation, conservation, civic and cultural amenities. Another 60 to 200 acres would involve private, commercial development.

ISU’s new five-year master plan, which Bradley described in his address last week, proposes shifting some university athletic facilities to the west side of Third Street, nearer to the riverfront. Under the plan, the westside sports facilities would connect with the Riverscape project to the west and the university’s main campus to the east, thanks to a new “gateway” to the campus along Third Street.

Sycamore athletic venues, such as a new complex for ISU’s talented track-and-field program, would add consistent energy to the menu of activities and resources in the Riverscape area. The commitment by Bradley and ISU to participate in the project gives it a greater chance to become a reality. Bradley, in his second year on the job, vowed the university’s strategic plan “is not intended to be something that collects dust” and will be implemented and its progress monitored.

We think Bradley means it. Most importantly, he realizes the impact ISU’s full involvement can have on Riverscape and other downtown revitalization efforts.

“We think Riverscape is very important for Terre Haute and its image and the lives of its people,” Bradley told an audience in Tilson Auditorium. “Therefore, it’s very important to ISU.” That vision and determination, coupled with that of the Riverscape organizers, can turn a great concept into reality.