The honest truth is, I lose valuable sleep at night, thinking about the simple changes that could result in exponential increases in the quality of life for the citizens and visitors of Shreveport. Allow me to reiterate, simple changes = exponential increases. Consider it a cheat code to improving the morale of your people. Who doesn’t want that?

Exhibit A: Our incredible, yet underdeveloped recreational and transportation opportunity that exists along the Red River. I’m referring to our beautiful parkways, at least, they could be beautiful. Instead, we use them to build giant 4-lane autotopian expressways just for people to pass up this natural beauty as fast as possible. Brilliant. I have a few suggestions for the area.

1. Provide safe linkages to the area. Who wants to cross 55 mph traffic on a bike, or on foot, to get to the park? Nobody. It’s also a missed opportunity to get into downtown Shreveport and the Red River Entertainment District. It’s close, but not close enough. The parkway trails should provide the same access to retail (Kings Highway and 70th St.) and areas of interest that the arterial highways do, plain and simple.

2. Widen the paths at-least doubly, to facilitate more traffic. The current path is a bit dangerous when approaching pedestrians on bikes, and vice versa.

3. Folks tend to use facilities when they are provided. Strategically-placed trash cans would result in a cleaner greenway, not to mention, it would remind people that the city does care about what it looks like. Also, Shreveport has a recycling program. Bins should be provided at outdoor recreational spaces.

4. There’s only three for now; drop a line if you have some input.

Almost done, but it’s important to note that here in Shreveport, we have particularly nice weather. This is a researchable fact, not the opinion of an optimist. People deserve the opportunity to get off the treadmill, and away from the daily grind of the city. Again, we have this amazing natural beauty of the Red River in walking distance to downtown, Highland, and Broadmoor. It should be utilized.

*steps off soapbox*