Little Rock, Arkansas green corridor in the river market

©Copyright LillyGrillzit all rights reserved 07/21/2010 

Each year the Little Rock, AR green corridor grows greener.

As Little Rock generates into a more energy conscience, environmentally active citizenship, the Little Rock River Market draws more green tourism, offering inexpensive fare, where you can really enjoy yourself for a reasonable cost, and even take some money home.

There are famous people and homeless ones, many New Orleans transplants. Downtown Little Rock, is made up of an international mesh, that works. Love Downtown, hope to see you down there, early on Saturday mornings.

In today's world, March 26, 2011 it is more important than ever to be conscience of how our personal economies affect the environment. There was a time just a few short years ago, where it was considered prudent to charge expensive vacations, ordering the best of the best. Now, we are being more careful with our spending, and our Environment. 

Little Rock, Arkansas Downtown Little Rock, ULAR, the Clinton Center, Central Arkansas Library System, Heifer International, and the EPA have worked in conjunction over the last 6 years to reverse a century of pollution on the beautiful and majestic Arkansas River. This is one of the "greenest corridors in the world". This area has earned all of the LEED and green awards/points available, and still the City of Little Rock grows more eco-conscience, there are more pedestrians, more traffic to small businesses. More Pulaski county Arkansas citizens are parking the car and walking, taking the tram, or bus/bike combinations. 

This is a beautiful and lower cost vacation than you can find by many comparisons. Give the River Market area a tour, stay a day or two. Have fun, eat, drink, ride and be merry. You may actually take money home.

Last semester I was a University Student. I was in a class called Environmental Geology. The core of the class was to learn about Natural and Man-made Disasters, and their affects on human health. It was 90% lecture, by the Professor. 10% of our grade was on our Project, researching a Groundwater Issues and their environmental impacts.

Having worked in the Environmental Construction field for 5 years, then on the Regulatory side of Environmental policy. I have a personal interest in Brownfield Revitalization. I have a lot of knowledge about Superfund and National Priority List sites. [A Brownfield is when someone takes an interest in rehabilitating land, water and air that is too toxic for human habitation ]. I chose one such project for my report.

Luckily, the most successful brownfield project is less than 2 miles from my house, It is what is now known as Heifer International Headquarters. It backs the Little Rock green corridor, and is a perfect example of making change for the Better.

If you have never heard of Heifer Ranch, or are not sure what they are about; I have a treat for you. They have a sponsorship program where a person, groups, or business, can purchase chickens, rabbits, goats, cows, or an entire Menagerie to send to 3rd world and war ravaged areas. It is a worthy organization.

Heifer International, adopted 24 acres that had been used in industry for over 100 years prior. (A National Priorities List property/Superfund site) They are now a Zero Water facility. They use their gray and black water. Due to their plan, they no longer require a waste water permit! They have built wetlands for their waste needs. Their parking lot design is Awesome, and could change the face of many cities.

The William J. Clinton Presidential center started construction on the Library, in 2002. This was the same time Heifer broke ground for their Brownfield Revitalization and construction of Heifer International Headquarters. All possible LEED and Green points have been awarded to this "green corridor".

When the Wm J Clinton Presidential Library and Museum were built, they did it 'green', because it was the right thing to do. It created a corridor of Non-Profit and Green occupants. Heifer Ranch and the University of Arkansas are part of the Wm J. Clinton Presidential Center.

The Vision to revitalize this area adjacent to "Downtown" has changed the entire face of the Downtown area of Little Rock, Arkansas. I have heard William Clinton Avenue (1st Street) is the 'greenest' 100 acres in any city.

The 1899 Choctaw Station Railroad Passenger Depot was slated for possible destruction, and instead, has been renovated and renamed "Sturgis Hall". Because the focus was on environmental soundness, it was determined that energy used to demolish, and new resources that would be needed to build would use too much energy and resources..

The University of Arkansas; Clinton School of Public Service, is the only place in the world you can earn a Masters Degree in Public Service. The University of Arkansas - School of Public service, has a lot going on. For many events, the public is invited. Clinton School, sponsors a Free Annual Game Day of Crosswords and Sudoku. Each week they usually host several Distinguished Speakers.

I have taken the long road to get here, but there was a lot of vision, cooperation and planning that has converted a bunch of filthy and useless land, to an entire "Street of Green", a pedestrian, and human friendly place to live, work and Play.

Ottenheimer Market Hall - is open year round. Hours 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Here you will find International food, in a Bazaar like atmosphere (16 vendors). Prices are reasonable - 2 Gyros 2 Waters $12.00. Breakfast with 3 items is under $4.00 - EBT is accepted at some the stores.

The Farmers Market - Originated in 1974. Is held in 2 open-air areas of the River Market. The Market is filled with farm-fresh produce. Buy directly from the farm trucks. Hours are 7:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. every Tuesday and Saturday during the months of May - October

Events - Too many to mention here - Music festival happen almost weekly. "River-Fest" is every Memorial Day Weekend. Free "Movies in the Park" happen every Wednesday night while weather permits, at the River Market Pavilion.

Parking & Transportation - The River Rail Electric Streetcar Trolley, runs constantly during the day. It usually shuts down at 11:00 p.m. There are public parking areas, and paid parking in some lots and on the streets.

Lodging - The most expensive lodging is in the River Market District, compared to the rest of the world, it is reasonable. The Peabody Hotel adjoins the Convention Center