Thanks to the River Beautification Project, which kicked off in 1986, the Concho River is now a splendid centerpiece for the entire city of San Angelo. It sports a 4-mile walking/jogging trail, bountiful outdoor gardens and water displays, a great playground, and even a 9-hole golf course (tel. 325/657-4485) on the River Walk's acres (greens fees $8-$10). Celebration Bridge crosses the river behind the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts , right past a bronze statue of a mermaid, "Pearl of the Conchos." Between the bridge and the old downtown plaza (El Paseo de Santa Angela) sits the Bill Aylor, Sr., Memorial RiverStage, an outdoor venue that is a focus of San Angelo's performing arts scene. The River Walk provides easy access to the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, Historic Concho Avenue, and Fort Concho.