Over the past summer the Olmsted Parks Conservancy (Facebook) began to implement part of its Creek Bend Overlook project that runs along Jesse Kregal pathway alongside the Scajaquada Creek. One day, when the expressway that runs along the creek is downgraded into a boulevard (cross your fingers), these bend overlooks will be welcome additions to the overall plan to create a place where people run, walk, bike and sit while enjoying the aquatic features of the creek.
The aggregate pebble path is intended to create two lanes of ped-traffic. The original upper path lane is where most of the faster cyclists travel, relatively unobscured (when there is an alternate path for meandering pedestrians). The newer, lower path travels closer to the creek and offers people better views onto the water. Just today I saw the bend overlook in action – working the way that it was intended. As a young couple walked hand in hand along the aggregate path, two cyclists raced past on the upper trail.
The creek bend overlook also has varying trail dimensions, so that there are places to stop along the way without creating congestion for others. The project allows for rain-garden-style plantings in-between the two paths, which creates a bit of a protected natural oasis along the low stone retention wall, as well as some animal and bird habitat.
While the original Jesse Kregal Pathway (see history) has been a saving grace for cyclist and joggers, the addition of bend overlooks provide a sanctuary for those who are looking for a peaceful place to visit and reflect.
To learn more about the Creek Bend Overlook project, click here.
