Walking Journal #8

PROMPT: Up to this point, many of you have written about the campus as your neighborhood or about your hometown as your neighborhood. With a friend, I'd like you to take a stroll on the riverwalk downtown. Practicing the scholarly habits of mind we have discussed in class, consider the people and things you observe. What do you see? Who is there? The city spent millions to create the riverwalk, was it worth it? I want you to think about what the riverwalk symbolizes in regards to the city and its reputation; also, I want you to consider your role in the city at large, beyond your neighborhood comfort zone. You can talk about people, nature, advertisements, government spending, community building, or a topic of your choice. Get some exercise and enjoy the sun!

Today, I ventured outside of the bounds of my neighborhood. With a group from class, it was easier to turn to the left once outside of my dorm and explore the streets of Downtown Reno to the riverwalk.

The streets of Downtown Reno that separate the campus from the riverwalk are not as bad as the stereotypical Downtown makes them out to be – granted, I was with a large group, and I would still feel uncomfortable by myself. But, the streets were like that of a typical city: not necessarily the cleanest, not exuding nature, but decent city streets. The people who walked the streets seemed to range from the typical tourists to those of a more miscreant nature. 

There is a difference in the streets once the riverwalk comes into view: everything seems a bit more open; the buildings are no longer towering on either side, but there is a sense of openness. And not only does the space itself change, but the people as well. From the casual coffee drinkers at cafes near the river to more elegant tourists, the people seemed more sophisticated than those on the streets of Downtown. The riverwalk is not what I would consider “nature” at its finest, it still bears the resounding marks of civilization, but the idea is still nice. It certainly breaks up the feel of the city and the atmosphere is dramatically altered by a bit of nice landscaping and pretty river scenery. The air around the riverwalk seems a bit friendlier and more open than that of the casinos. Also, the riverwalk seems more thoughtful than the casinos: fountains and signs about the nature demonstrate attention, while the casinos seem to be lacking a former grandeur. Appearances are important: the riverwalk’s immediate ability to make the streets seem friendlier is worth the money that was put into creating it.

The riverwalk, while not necessarily “nature” is still a pleasant addition to the city. I think that it was worth it: the atmosphere of the riverwalk is so much friendlier than the casinos of Downtown. The idea of bringing nature into the city and making it more aesthetically pleasing is wonderful.