The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge has now been open for two weeks. Of course, with my association with Riverfront Place I have been anticipating this for sometime and have been a huge supporter of the project.
While much more is coming in the future with the bridge I can't say enough about how it has already exceeded any expectation I have had. I have had the opportunity on three occasions to enjoy bike rides across the bridge and venture to the north and south along the Missouri River along Iowa's trail system. With my daughter Luci in tow we have experienced smiling faces, recreation, and nature then returning to Omaha's urbanism. Last night for example we began our ten mile journey from Little Italy, through Heartland of America Park, along the Lewis & Clark Landing, across the Bob Kerrey Bridge, and then north along the Missouri River to 25th Street in Council Bluffs. Bike enthusiast or not, this ride really set in just how much of an asset the Bob Kerrey Bridge is for the city of Omaha as well as Council Bluffs.
As Luci and I enjoyed our ride the first thing you notice is people. Not just a few here and there... They were everywhere; pointing at landmarks, snapping photos, stopping to chat with friends they didn't expect to see, watching the water, etc. As we landed in Iowa and progressed north the experience nature. Large cottonwood trees line the trail with occasional breaks and peeks at slow flowing water in the new nature preserve. We then reached our turning point and began the journey south and home. About 3 minutes into our ride we were greeted by several turkey and two small deer. Luci's small head was on a swivel for the duration of the ride.
I am hoping for a prolonged fall so Luci and I can enjoy several other Bob Kerrey Bridge experiences.
