Riverwalk Park

Water in any form has always been a people magnet.  The closer people get to it, the better.  The City of New Castle is fortunate in that it has Neshannock Creek and Shenango River running through the heart of the city.  In the early days, these waterways were strictly utilitarian.  In today’s world, they can be developed as an integral part of the Downtown Revitalization.  The Riverwalk will provide a pedestrian connection between the parking, shopping, office and entertainment areas and serves as a focal point for downtown events as well.  It will incorporate a pedestrian-friendly way along the water with fronting on the new Cascade Center, a collage of old and new buildings, housing entertainment, restaurants and retail.  At the eastern end of the Riverwalk, there is a large open area with a small performing section that can be utilized for special events or simply as a place for leisure enjoyment and social interaction adding to the downtown experience.  The Riverwalk will allow pedestrians access to the waters edge for their viewing pleasure.  Throughout the Riverwalk, at the pedestrian level, there will be several cascading interactive water features that will be connected with a winding textured and colored concrete pattern, echoing the actual waterway below.  An iron railing between lighted stone piers is reminiscent of the lighting and architecture that was utilized on the bridges, streets and parks during an era when New Castle was enjoying the best times in its history.  To this add hanging flower baskets, colorful banners, lighting of the buildings and water, interesting street furniture and landscape to create a visually stimulating and festive environment where people want to spend time.