Council Bluffs leaders tonight are expected to approve a 600-thousand dollar plan to renovate the Lewis and Clark Monument and surrounding park. John Batt, assistant director of Council Bluff’s Parks and Recreation Department, discusses some improvements the money would bring. The money would pay for improved landscaping, more parking, permanent restrooms, newer architecture, better traffic flow and more picnic areas. The monument opened in 1935 to commemorate the meeting of the explorers and Native Americans before the journey up the Missouri River and beyond. Batt says the improvements are needed at the park. Batt says tourism is expected to pick up at the Lewis and Clark Monument since the bicentennial anniversary of the historic trip is coming up in the 2003-04 years. A new observation pavilion was opened at the park last year that provides a scenic view of the river valley. The Council Bluffs city council is expected to vote on the spending plan at its 7 p-m meeting. It -is- expected to pass.
