David Wilette, a North Adams resident, board member for Hoosic River Revival and long time angler, dreams of a re-energized Hoosic River while maintaining flood protection.. 

 

"If you build it, they will come."

 

That of course is the famous line from the movie "Field of Dreams" when the cornfields are whispering to Kevin Costner to build a baseball diamond where his corn grows. At first Costner and his wife are reluctant, saying that this can't be true, this can't be happening and that we must be hearing things.

 

But over time, they convince themselves to build this baseball diamond and see if "they will come." And they did.

 

One could say the same thing about the Hoosic River Revival committee and their thoughts, ideas and enthusiasm about restoring the Hoosic River back to its original state in some parts of the city so that the river can be enjoyed by more people and not just the select few fishermen, kayakers and canoeists.

 

HRR's hope is to convert the Hoosic River to a more user-friendly river with  picnic areas, walking trails and more, while at the same time not losing one ounce of flood protection. Wouldn't it be great to be able to walk from downtown to a spot on the river and have your lunch, a place to go sit quietly and read a book or just watch the river flow by? The river plays a different tune everyday and it never misses a note.

 

The HRR has hired professional engineers who have done many river restorations throughout the country as consultants, but HRR is also a long way from breaking ground and they're still in the talking stage. One of these discussions is taking place Saturday, June 15, at the St. Elizabeth's Parish Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It's free and it's open to the public. HRR is looking for feedback and suggestions for their dream. They're also looking to answer any questions from the general public as all the experts will be there. Let's as a community rebuild the Hoosic and see who comes.