Our River… Our Riverfront

The East Fork of the White River runs alongside the Columbus downtown district and historic Mill Race Park. The riverfront area between the 2nd and 3rd Street bridges has long been identified as a priority site in need of revitalization and repair. Over many years and several iterations, the Our River… Our Riverfront project has sought to address the many safety and environmental concerns the area presents, including the failing low-head dam; barriers to emergency personnel access; erosion of the dam that risks exposure to a nearby delisted superfund site; and the challenging connection points between popular segments of the People Trail. After many years of delays due to permitting, rising construction costs, and an evolution of project scope, this vital project is now under way.

In 2025, Columbus Redevelopment oversaw a redesign of the project based on the recommendations from a community-led Guiding Team. The new concept addresses each of the above safety concerns, while providing community value and economic stimulus through expansion of the area’s trail system, strengthening the connection between downtown and Mill Race for both residents and visitors alike, and by providing a new riverfront community gathering area with a new access point for in-river recreation.

Project Goals

Low-Head Dam Removal
Riverfront Trail Connection
Emergency Personnel Access
Bank Stabilization
Improved Recreational Access

Informational Flyer

History of the Riverfront

Where are we now?

Long identified as a high-priority project, the Riverfront has changed shape several times as the project has evolved over time. The previous design included many popular features that expanded the recreation potential for the area, including a rock riffle and recreational channel. However, the cost of these features exceeded the project’s budget. With help from an appointed Guiding Team made up of various stakeholders and community leaders, the determination was made to reduce the scope of the project and focus efforts towards addressing the many safety and environmental concerns the current Riverfront conditions raise.

While the redesign was finalized and permits were amended, construction began on the river’s West Bank in early 2025 to clear the treeline and create a construction staging and access point. In June, the bid for the majority of the project was awarded to Milestone for the East Bank stabilization, new river access, riverfront trail expansion and gathering space. The removal of the dangerous low-head dam is expected in 2026.