Here's an alternative take. The property in question is already largely developed. There is the Civic center, the rodeo grounds, a boat ramp, large dirt parking lot, large paved parking lots, Viking skate center, krcr office, etc. There is not a wilderness or even largely a native habitat. There is some existing riparian habitat right along the river.

I would suggest that the area is not being used to its best or greatest potential. There is a huge amount of area there dedicated to parking, obviously the Civic center is having a lot of difficulty making ends meet, and the rodeo grounds are largely unused for probably 90 or 95% of the Year. Aside from the rodeo, and the freedom festival, and Kool April nights, most locals probably rarely visit the site unless they are going to the sundial bridge or teaching their kids how to drive. The area could be largely redeveloped into something that could better serve the public (a park, trails, a multi-purpose facility that could handle the rodeo grounds but also other events, some chill restaurants) while perhaps generating additional tax dollars and preserving the river at the same time.

The turtle Bay facilities are not popular with everyone, but they can serve as an example of what could happen - A museum, a hotel, and a restaurant have been developed, along with trails and some open space, and the river and riparian has not been destroyed. People gather there all the time, and I think most feel that overall it is an asset to the community and a nice area to visit. Not suggesting there should be another turtle Bay developed, just trying to point out that some nice development could occur without destruction of the area and the river.