The Riverview Project, Shreveport

In 1999, the City of Shreveport sought funding from the Red River Waterway Commission to build a new waterfront park on the banks of the Red River to return the downtown riverbank to active recreational use.

In February 2003, McInnis Bros. Construction of Minden was awarded the project for a little more than $5.7 million. This is the first riverside park of its kind in the Shreveport area. The goal of the project was to make the river more accessible in an urban setting.

The Riverview project includes many special features that allow the enjoyment of the Red River in a downtown setting. These special features include an amphitheater for outdoor plays and concerts and a performance area in front of steeped landscaping that blends into the existing Barnwell Garden & Arts Center.

A 200-ft.-long water plaza with 135 programmable jets shoots water as high as 12 ft. and can be programmed with lights and music to give the park a Disney World-type atmosphere. A floating boat dock welcomes visitors when arriving via the Red River. It is designed to float at the various levels of the river and to be handicapped accessible.

Six metallic roses with stems dominate the park and six rose buds celebrate the connection of Shreveport to the National Rose Center, accented by handrails with rose petal designs. Specially created rose designs inlaid in the concrete gathering areas provide additional enhancement to the Riverview.