When one maneuvers the construction of the new walking/biking trail work along Broadway Street these days, they can only marvel at how beautiful it will soon be.

We can just see the throngs of walkers and bikers enjoying the amazing beauty of Natchez and the view of the Mississippi River and Louisiana.

Suddenly “Broadway” seems so wrong. There are no theaters here. The street is no broader than most.

May I propose to our city fathers that we seize this opportunity to change the name to a more appealing, descriptive name, “Esplanade.”

The entire area has historically been our parade grounds, under all five flags. It would give us a touch of New Orleans, the second oldest settlement on the Mississippi River — to Natchez!

Webster’s Dictionary defines esplanade as, “a level open stretch of paved or grassy ground: one designed for walking or driving along a shore.”

Broadway Street is a relatively short stretch of ground, with very few locations on one side who would be inconvenienced by address changes. Perhaps the city could even assist them.

Let’s change the name to a more romantic, historic and descriptive one in time to watch next year’s balloon races from “Esplanade!”

God Bless old Natchez with her long, rich history of character and characters!