First step taken to revitalize Rio Vista waterfront

First step taken to revitalize Rio Vista waterfront
By Susan Winlow | Daily Republic | July 10, 2009

RIO VISTA - A vision that was on the table for years finally took a step toward reality for residents and officials of this tiny hamlet on the Sacramento River.

Ground was broken Wednesday for a riverfront pilot project that eventually could become a mixed-use development area with a promenade and possibly restaurants, stores and a hotel. The entire proposed project area stretches from Main Street to the Helen Madera Bridge.

'We hope to create something that can be seen from the bridge and (people will) think 'hey, there is a little town we'd like to visit,' ' said Emi Theriault, Rio Vista's acting community development director.

But first, the initial project is to improve the area near the state fishing pier just off Front Street. The improvements will include a promenade, benches, new restrooms, flagpoles, lighting, picnic area with barbecue pits and a fish-cleaning station because the area is heavily used by anglers.

The area will be closed through September but Theriault said the project will be done in time for the bass festival in October.

See the complete story at the Daily Republic online.