The hammer is the best tool. Think about it, the hammer is perfect in its magnificent multifaceted simplicity. Without instructions, anyone can use it to pound, pry or bust something into a million pieces.

That said, do we really want people hammering on the Scioto River’s floodwall? The floodwall serves an important purpose: protecting the downtown community from a potential flood. The wall is also eighty years old. Is it really a good idea to hammer on anything that ancient?

It's hammer time on the Scioto Mile, as workers test and repair the floodwall.

Well, YES. Part of the Scioto Mile Project has been to bolster the old floodwall. Time takes its toll on all things, and even the sturdiest floodwall can develop a few weak spots over the decades. The weak spots might not show to the naked eye, but the hammer test tells the truth every time.

So, you might have seen the team hammering away at every inch of the floodwall. The versatile tool helps them detect areas that need some support. With the vulnerable spots identified, the fix-it team takes to pontoon boats and lifts in order to bolster or replace any weak joints in the floodwall.

That builds a stronger foundation for the Scioto Mile, and helps keep Downtown dry.

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