Interview With Jim Litchfield, Part II

If you didn’t get a chance to see the first part of my interview with Jim Litchfield, you can read it here. Jim is also a consultant for the Downtown Improvement Association. He’s definitely got his hands in a few pots doesn’t he?

But before we begin the second part of the interview, notice the new poll up on the Red Bar of Discontent (under the ads) about whether to replace or restore the Virginia Street bridge which is the subject of a few meetings this week. I come down on the side of replacement because it will allow for Riverwalk enhancements that will add to the beauty and activity of other new downtown projects like the plaza at 10 N. Virignia and the old post office. And let your councilperson know where you stand.

Part II of the interview with Jim Litchfield:

MTM: I did see that McNeely expressed his desire that the city work more closely with you on the eco-channel project. I don’t know if you’ve heard from anyone yet, but from your answers here, it looks like you want to emphasize opportunities for the community to interact actively with the river. Have you seen the images of the proposed changes to the plaza at 10 N. Virginia and the old post office and do those provide enough of an opportunity for citizens to actively engage with the river?

I don’t know how I could contribute if I became involved. I If I could be of any assistance to get a project done faster I would be happy to become involved. We are at a critical point in our downtown redevelopment and our community needs to continue to see progress and appropriate projects implemented.

MTM: I think what works so well on the upper part of the river near Wingfield Park is the way the rocks extend out into the river, creating places for people to sit and creating eddies where people can wade and swim. The images I’ve seen of the eco-channel and plans for the post office and the plaza seem a lot more passive than that—stairways and sidewalks. Do you see your involvement as a way to perhaps alter that?

I don’t believe a rock lined bank (a la Wingfield) would be appropriate for both the post office and 10 N. Virginia. I think terracing with steps and benching is a great approach considering the proposed treatments at the rest of the sites (more urban development and mixed uses). As I mentioned earlier, what I would really like to see is a continuous pedestrian path near waters edge. But I could be asking for too much with that. We have to begin to think active engagement as opposed to the passive uses. I really liked the renderings of the Post Office.

In describing the park I often will point out the random boulders that we have placed around the park. They do nothing to enhance the whitewater experience but rather were placed to be used by pedestrians. For example, we placed two flat boulders just off the steps at West Street Plaza. Those were placed about 4-5 feet away from the stairs in about 6 inches of water. We hoped that someone enjoying their lunch break would take off their shoes roll up their pants and wade out to have lunch or simply sit where they were surrounded by water. Or to allow a small child the chance to wade out away from their parents while still being close and safe. Those experiences for kids can make a strong individual. Not to be too artsy with it but we really try to make the parks have continuity and a greater usability than just for kayakers.

MTM: Believe it or not, I’ve seen dogs climb up on those boulders. Come to think of it, one of the things I’ve noticed is how many people hang out with their dogs downtown at the park. That is definitely a new dimension to downtown. Tell us more about what the city is doing to make the river safer for people.

The legislation (AB 13 mentioned in part I of the interview) will help to make life vests more accessible to everyone but common sense and management are still very important. The City of Reno has really done a good job in adapting management approaches to the Whitewater Park. Like all of us they were a bit surprised by the amount of people using the Park. They have really nice signage around the Park. I know that other communities have copied the signage at their parks.

Also the City’s and RSCVA’s commitment to the Reno River Festival is first class. Over 300 people were given free clinics last year during the Festival and all of them included a portion on river safety.

Some final thoughts: We should be thankful that we have people like Jim Litchfield who are dedicated to making Reno a great place to live. My own experience with what I consider art and public space changed greatly after I witnessed the changing dynamic on the Washington D.C. Mall after the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and theF.D.R Memorial opened several years ago. While I absolutely love the Jefferson Memorial, it was designed to be a building to move through and reflect upon. The Vietnam Veterans and F.D.R. Memorials changed all that, and became places for people to interact with pieces of the structure itself, as well as with other people. Those structures helped me to understand how public art and public space could work differently, and how important that difference can be. The Truckee is a treasure for this city, and we need to make sure that we make it as accessible to the community as possible. People love what they can experience rather than just observe.

Similar Posts:

• White Water Events Begin
• Abandoned Reno Town Square Plan Circa 1995
• Interview With Jim Litchfield, Part I

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