For much of the 20th century, Pueblo’s economy was driven by railroads and the steelworks of Colorado Fuel & Iron. Pueblo residents loved the strength, diversity and long history of their industrial city. Having survived the Depression, floods and fires, they were used to adversity.
But beginning in the 1970’s, Pueblo’s industrial backbone began to weaken. The vast network of railroads and rail yards had largely disappeared in previous decades, and the city’s once-vibrant downtown was in decline and disrepair. Demand for Colorado Fuel and Iron’s specialized steel products collapsed in 1982, and thousands of steelworkers lost their jobs and unemployment in Pueblo reached 20 percent.
Pueblo city leaders realized that the city had to do something—but what?
How about the Arkansas River?
In 1991, they came up with an unlikely plan: divert water from the Arkansas River and create a downtown riverwalk similar to San Antonio’s. It would take many years and require substantial state and municipal investments, but the returns could be significant. Downtown private investment would increase, the city’s historic core would become a visitor destination, businesses large and small would thrive and Pueblo would prosper—or so they hoped.
The plan worked. Thirty-three years after it was initially conceived, the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo (HARP) defines Pueblo. It has transformed downtown, creating a local treasure and visitor destination. It has done so without either vast infusions of federal funds or sacrificial demolition of historic buildings. Since its inception, it has gradually expanded, drawing locals and visitors alike (500,000 annually). Pueblo is a premier destination in Colorado, one with a history dating back to Colonial Spain.
But history, as Henry Ford famously said, is bunk. You need to see for yourself.
Stroll along the pedestrian path next to the water, take a ride on a riverboat, stop at a riverside bar/restaurant, shop at neighborhood stores and enjoy the many artworks that help give the Riverwalk a special zing. It’s both kid-friendly and handicap-accessible. Unlike many popular attractions, it never seems crowded or unfriendly. The Riverwalk is also dog-friendly, but Fido has to be on a leash no longer than six feet, and you have to clean up after him. There are plenty of dog-mitt stations along the paths.
If you’re in or near Pueblo on July 4th, you’re in luck. Rollin’ on the Riverwalk is Colorado’s largest fireworks show, exploding in the night sky shortly after sunset. Find yourself an outdoor bar/restaurant or relax along the Riverwalk and enjoy the show.
The Riverwalk is an amazing achievement, and one that is still evolving. Future expansion plans include extending the eastern channel, creating more outdoor space and the construction of a new public building which will feature an airy rooftop deck. Just imagine sitting on the deck on a sunny afternoon, maybe with your favorite libation in hand watching the river run.
