Bridgewater’s mayor admits it has been a trying year for people trying to access a section of King Street.
But, he believes the end result is worth it.
Pijinuiskaq Park officially opened Friday during a ceremony that featured live music along with a Mi’kmaq dance, drumming and smudging.
David Mitchell says the park is a draw for people to come and stay downtown.
“But, more importantly I think that it’s a symbol of the direction the town is going. The newness of it, the size of it, the look of it; it’s a focal point of pride for the community and it indicates that we’re moving forward.”
Construction of the park was included in the $5-million Take Back the Riverbank project which also involved the installation of new water, storm water and wastewater lines underground and revitalizing the streetscape in a two block stretch of the downtown.
Mitchell says Pijinuiskaq Park and King Street Court will have live music every week this summer and both can serve as space for smaller activities like picnics.
He says the new park is exceptional and inviting to all people.
“It’s got a little bit of modern to it with a little bit of glass but at the same time it fits perfectly with the river and the history of the river and then the name is the icing on the cake to reflect the heritage of the Mi’kmaq people, it’s so appropriate and it’s just beautiful here.”
MLA Mark Furey and MP Bernadette Jordan also spoke at the event as the park received funding from all three levels of government.
Chief of the Acadia First Nation, Deborah Robinson, says she is humbled to have a traditional Mi’kmaq name for the park.
(Photo Courtesy: Patrick Hirtle)