The HARP Foundation

The HARP Foundation was formally incorporated as a 501 c (3) organization in 1995 to support the ongoing fundraising of the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo. The mission of the HARP Foundation is to secure funding to enhance and enrich the infrastructure of the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo (HARP) and transform it into a cultural, educational, economic, recreational and social centerpiece.

The HARP foundation was formed to enhance and enrich the infrastructure of the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo and transform it into a cultural, educational, economic, recreational and social centerpiece.

The core programs of the HARP Foundation are:

• Economic. The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo was conceived to combat urban blight in the downtown section Pueblo, Colorado. The area suffered severe economic hardship following the collapse of the steel industry in the United States during the 1980’s. The Riverwalk spurred the development of a convention center, restoration of historic downtown buildings including the Union Avenue Historic District.

• Cultural. Destinations surrounding the Riverwalk include the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, the Southeastern Colorado Heritage Center, the Sangre de Cristo Arts Center and Buell Children’s Museum, El Pueblo History Museum, the Pueblo Ice Arena, the Pueblo transit Center, the Union Avenue Historic District, and the new Robert Hoag Rawlings Library. All of these destinations are within walking distance of HARP thereby making the Riverwalk a hub for cultural events occurring in the city.

• Educational. The Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo is committed to supporting the education of citizens. In 2003 the Boettcher Outdoor Classroom and Amphitheater was constructed to encourage unique educational opportunities focusing on history, science, and art. Connected to the site is Pike Plaza commemorating Zebulon Pike’s arrival in Colorado in 1806.