Reversing Rapids – a clearer name for a tidal phenomenon

Fredericton’s The Glenn Group has once again put pen to paper to create a large scale long term plan for Saint John’s recreational future.  The landscape architects have previously worked on, among many other project, Harbour Passage, the Tree Sisters lamp green space and designing upgrades for Shamrock Park.

Now the green space gurus are proposing a 10 to 15 year plan to add life and greater tourist appeal to the Reversing Falls – including a more to-the-point name for the churning water ‘Fundy's Reversing Rapids.’ 

The plan including creating greater interpretive space, unique lookouts, a playground, zip-lines, new restaurants and a ‘vendor park.’

While the plan lacks a massive outdoor concert site, the clustering of activities and attractions around a central theme and location is reminiscent of Moncton’s Magnetic Hill area.

Of course there is the issue of the pulp and paper mill across the water from where this will all take place.  I think it would be great (and perhaps necessary) if JD Irving or other port users were to create an interpretive area celebrating the industrial history of our waterfront.  I recall seeing panels in Stanley Park (Vancouver) that explain the working port in a very clear way.  Similar panels are already on Harbour Passage, but it could be useful to have such panels as a sort of caveat when tourists and locals are looking across the rapids toward the paper making plant.

I think the name change will add clarity for tourists and use of better site lines and lookouts, zip-lines and attractions will make Reversing Falls a far greater asset for the city.