Bank Stabilization Project Nearly Complete

By Aaryn Valenzuela

After years of planning and construction, the Concho River Bank Stabilization Project is almost complete. Workers are now near the Irving Street Bridge. City officials say the Bank Stabilization Project will be complete this summer.

"Were really excited to see the project getting close to completion, and were hearing a lot of good things from folks here and there," says Carl White, Parks and Recreation Director for the City.

They've installed small boulders to stabilize the bank, and put stacked stone along the edges of the river.

"Folks can actually walk down to the river in some cases, and fish or sit, and just picnic or whatever." says White.

There's also more lighting, new restrooms, and an outdoor workout area for young people.

"Some of them have hydraulics, like the stair steppers and bicycle rides. Its kind of like indoor fitness equipment, but only outdoors," he says.

He says once the construction is complete, they'll plant some new grass.

"As you can tell some of the areas are devoid of grass right now. Were going to have to reestablish the turf, and do a little bit of planting," says White.

The project is expected to be complete in August, and city officials want to celebrate with a Riverfest Event.

"On the 19th of October were looking at having a day long event, where we would have activities for kids, activities in the river, and bands playing at the River Stage."