Ocomolgee River

Levee

Riverwalk recreational complex

1994 Macon Flood

Parallel to Central City there is a Levee that keeps the river from overflowing into the lands (central city park land). This was build for the purpose to house people on the land. This shows a nice example of human’s activity in the natural environment. When humans mess with nature, there could be negative consequences, and this is what occurred with the Ocmulgee River in 1994. The levee held the water from spreading into the surrounding lands—the natural process. The water rose and created a flood. Thanks to the forces of nature, the river pressure pressed through one of the levees and this allowed the water to leak out and spread—its natural process. This lower the water level within hours, and that ended the flood. Nature was too strong this time and cured itself. Moral of the story, lets prevent the problem before it exists.

The 1994 had a huge impact on Macon. It flooded the Riverside road bridge. People were afraid that the pressure of the water would knock the bridge off its foundation. The entire bridge was covered with water. This made transportation complicated.

The flood covered the city with soil and dirt from the river. Remnants of dirt covered the streets of the Macon, making it look unpleasant and undesirable to walk, live, or work. Decreases the property value. Therefore, Macon needed to boost the economic prosperity. This occurred by adding the Riverwalk that made Macon city more than just retail and restaurants, but a recreational area that families and other Macon residents can walk, run, and have picnics on nice days. This brings people to live, work, and stay in Macon.