The main question this study aims to answer is how can we create an urban space that celebrates the riverfront at all times of the year, while still creating viable flood protection? Other questions considered are, what methods of river flow change will allow for the most efficient water control? What interactive opportunities can we as citizens have with the rivers? With global climate change how large of a future flood event should we be preparing for? The study is being conducted on the Mississippi River utilizing existing knowledge of the highs and lows of the river along with the natural topography of the river’s edge. Water control systems will have been studied to determine the most efficient and aesthetic methods. Case studies from across the world have been researched and there specific elements have been considered to discover what programmatic elements are needed. The last thing needed to be considered is what can we as landscape architects design that will enhance the users experience with the river.