NEWBURYPORT — Mayor Sean Reardon joined community leaders and members of the public for a groundbreaking ceremony to officially kick off construction for the expanded Market Landing Park.
The ceremony was held on Wednesday, Aug. 9, where members of the City gathered at the waterfront to break ground on the expansion project.
The Market Landing Park Expansion project was designed to preserve the City’s historic waterfront and use the space to create more diverse opportunities for waterfront festivities, socializing, and relaxation – all with an expansive view of the Merrimack River.
The approximately $6 million renovation will feature an expansion to the existing central lawn space, replacement of a section of the existing drainage culvert, updates to parking lots and the visitor center/restrooms, the creation of new park wings and a Shared Use Path connection, as well as the addition of swing trellises and dynamic art/cultural elements to add character.
“This project is the productive culmination of a decades-old community debate about the vision for our central waterfront. This park is at the very heart of our city, and it provides the perfect space for events and gatherings that reinforce our sense of place and community,” Mayor Reardon said. “Thank you all for coming out today, and I look forward to seeing you here next year for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of this more expansive park!”
The City wishes to thank and recognize the generosity of those that have provided financial support for this project including the Newburyport City Council, the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) and Trust Fund Commissioners, the Herman Roy Trust Fund, the Newburyport Waterfront Trust (WFT), the Newburyport Harbor Commission, the P.A.R.C. Grant Program through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) Division of Conservation Services (DCS), the MassTrails Grant Program through the EOEEA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and the Coastal Trails Coalition (CTC).
Those who may be interested in donating to the project for site amenities, such as benches, should reach out to the Mayor’s Office at 978-465-4413 or by email at mayor@cityofnewburyport.com.
Onyx Corporation acts as the general contractor for the expansion, with design and engineering headed by Sasaki Associates.
The project is anticipated to be completed in summer 2024.
More information about the Market Landing Park Expansion can be found here. Those with questions regarding the project should contact Director of Planning & Development Andy Port at 978-465-4400, ext. 5.
