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Council considers railings, life-saving devices for downtown Riverwalk after several drownings
Summary
Council and residents urged the city Oct. 6 to pursue safety measures along the downtown Riverwalk, including railings, life-saving devices and grant-funded approaches. Council members asked staff to map city-owned waterfront sections, check insurance implications, and pursue grant options such as DNR funding.
Council members and residents pressed Salisbury leaders Oct. 6 to take action to reduce drownings and accidental falls along the downtown Riverwalk.
Councilwoman Jackson said the riverfront has had multiple incidents in recent years and urged a phased approach to install railings or nautical-style ropes where appropriate. Supporters cited risks to children, seniors (including residents of a nearby nursing home), and people experiencing homelessness. Council and staff discussed options including low-profile railings, "fat rope" barriers that preserve emergency access, the location of riverfront parcels the city owns, and potential grant funding from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Staff cautioned that some riverfront parcels are privately owned and said the city would need to map ownership and discuss easements or partnership approaches with private property owners. Insurance questions were also raised; council members asked staff to confirm whether railings would raise liability or insurance costs and to identify design alternatives that balance public safety and emergency access.
Council recorded consensus to study options, identify city-owned sections, seek grant funding and report back with cost estimates and design alternatives. Several residents urged quick action and suggested the city prioritize the highest-risk locations.
