| An artists eye's view of our town. |
| The Columbus Riverwalk is a 12 mile linear park, extending from Lake Oliver in the North , and Fort Benning in the South. Opened in 1992, it has served as a path for walkers, bikers, skaters and many who just come to sit. Though there are still "gaps" in the construction, they are being filled in. The Riverwalk is part of a sewer overflow project, build on top of the new sewer system. When the Chattahoochee floods, the Riverwalk disappears. It was constructed to handle this situation. |
| It is impossible to tell the story of Columbus in only a few photographs, but the ones shown here should whet the appetite enough to stimulate further exploration. They are scenes that should appeal to artists, and ,most are located near the site of Arts on the River - the SHOW. A dedicated group of individuals is working hard to increase the amount of public art in the city; downtown is being turned into a pedestrian friendly entertainment area, including a sculpture walk. 35 miles north is Callaway Gardens, 50 miles south is Andersonville, Westville, and Providence Canyon. The Visitors' Bureau at 9th and Front Streets has all the information on area attractions. |
| The Dillingham Bridge is the oldest of the bridges across the Chattahoochee. Looking North, one can see the now defunct mill, but soon to be loft condos, and the spillway on the River. |
| Overlooking the river is a bronze sculpture by H. Seward Johnson titled "When Now Becomes Then" . It causes a lot of double-takes. Though its location has changed, it still overlooks the Chattahoochee. In spite of having been vandalized many times, the girl can still be seen sketching the river as it was before the arrival of the white settlers. |
| Site of a former Grist Mill on the Alabama side shows only the foundations remaining. Access to the Phenix City Riverwalk is via the 14th Street pedestrian bridge or the Dillingham Bridge. |
| Further south, the Riverwalk Amphitheatre and nearby gazebo overlook the river. At the far end of the Promenade proper is Founders' Park, at the bottom of 5th Street. Area residents have put more than a few hours maintaining and planting the park. Plaques mark notable persons in the city's history. |
| From the Dillingham Bridge the southern view shows John B. Amos Plaza with its statue of Christopher Columbus in the four phases of his life. A bronze bust of AFLAC founder John Amos is near the plaza entrance. |
| Now part of the TSYS river campus, the Mott House and the old facade from the former Carnegie Library mark a plaza that recognizes the contribution of mills to the city. A 3 story Antebellum structure, it was owned by a Union General, who made it known as the only house in the city that never left the Union. |
| The historic City Mills, north of the Mott House, is an endangered structure, as is its dam. A part of it has already been "inadvertently" demolished, and all the dams in the area are planned to be razed to open the river to white water kayaking. |
| From a low river level on the Alabama side, the Columbus Government Center stands out. |
| At the Northern end of the Riverwalk is Lake Oliver, where boats and jet skis abound. Many a sunset has been enjoyed here at the Marina. A renovation and new facility are currently being built. |
| Fishermen can always be found on the docks of the Lake Oliver Marina. Sunsets are at their best during the winter months, but there is a year 'round display. There are also places for picnicking as well. |
| Many waterfowl winter at Lake Oliver, to the delight of children of all ages. |
ALL PHOTOS by LOIS TRYON, Columbus, GA