Submitted by Michael Honeywell
There’s an island in Jefferson City? You betcha! It’s smack dab in the Missouri River, just north of the Capitol Building. It’s called Adrian’s Island.
As it turns out, the island is actually a 35-acre peninsula. While it may be short on sides, with only three, it is long on potential especially for those with a vision for Jefferson City’s future. Many believe the island holds one of the key ingredients to Jefferson City tourism and economic development: riverfront access. The theory goes: if we can create a city where people want to live, a place with lots of things to do, the investors will come.
Recently, the city council approved Adrian’s Island for redevelopment. What’s planned? There’s an access tunnel, a mile-long park with hiking trails, park benches, fishing access, and a connection to the city’s greenway trail for bicyclists and pedestrians. What a boost for Jefferson City tourism.
Watching these events take shape in the coming months will be exciting. Imagine development taking place on the river in Jefferson City, I mean even the staunchest opponents have to be a little curious. The question is, will this inspire other projects? If the idea is to reconnect the river to the city, and we’re starting at the river, where do we go from here? Up, of course. Stay tuned.
