We are finally getting an idea of what the Riverwalk project in Crystal River might look like.
The plan is to connect different parts of downtown Crystal River with a boardwalk that mostly runs along Kings Bay, which is the city's center of attention. The idea has been kicked around for more than 20 years.
"We believe this has been our best shot in a longtime and we are making an attempt here to bring it to the city," said city manager David Burnell.
The city has introduced three different design ideas for its Riverwalk project. Burnell said getting to this point has not been easy.
"It's a difficult thing to get the private landowners, the community and the funding all together to do something like this," he said.
Design No. 1 puts about half of the Riverwalk along the water and half inland. Design No. 2 has more of it along the water and design three is the shortest option of them all.
City officials want to hear from the community about the ideas, so we decided to show the designs to some residents and get their input.
Chuck Ahn is longtime Citrus County resident. He said most on the Riverwalk should be on the bay.
"We get manatees that come up in here," he said. "It would be nice."
Alison Fernandez comes to Crystal River all the time. She looked over the designs too and feels the same way as Chuck.
"As much walkability as you can get and still keep the water accessible to people," she said. "I think that's the best."
"This affects the whole community and it is a lot money for this small community, so we want to make sure that everyone gets heard," said Burnell.
Burnell hopes to present the top design choice at an August 24th public hearing. If things go well at the meeting and with permitting, construction on the Riverwalk project could start in late 2016 or early 2017.