SUNBURY - The official opening of Riverfront Park in Sunbury marked "a new day and a new era" for the Susquehanna River and the city of Sunbury, state Sen. John R. Gordner (R-27) told a crowd of some 275 residents, spectators and public officials gathered along the river Thursday morning.
"Enjoy this river, enjoy the entrance and the activities to it, enjoy this lake and everything this has to offer," he said during the special ceremony at the 500-seat amphitheater off Chestnut Street.
The $11 million project to stabilize the flood wall and river bank and beautify the riverfront came to a close after 10 years with the snip of a ribbon by former state Rep. Merle Phillips (R-108). Visitors to the park can now enjoy the amphitheater, a fishing pier, a dock and a mile of trail on the river side from near Bainbridge Street to Race Street.
Mayor David L. Persing shared the senator's sentiment, calling the opening of the park a defining moment in the city.
"This is a major project and we're not quitting here," he said, noting upcoming efforts to bring new housing, lodging for visitors and living quarters for those who require assistance.
"I'm challenging the central Susquehanna Valley right now: this is the place you
want to be. Come visit us and see what we can do for you," Persing said.
Phillips thanked
Much of the praise for the success of the project coming to fruition was given to Phillips, 83, who represented the 108th district for 30 years.
"There isn't a project that we couldn't go to Merle's office for support," Persing said during the first part of the program - the rededication of Merle Phillips Park along Front Street.
The sign for the park was removed during city side construction, but city council wanted to remind everyone that Phillips was the biggest influence in the completion of the project.
Gordner said Phillips was not a politician, but a public servant who spent every day in Harrisburg working for the people of the 108th district.
"He's as sly as a fox. This Dutchman who speaks a little slow was the most crafty person I ever saw in uncovering resources, getting rid of red tape, calling PennDOT on a Friday afternoon to take care of an issue," Gordner said.
Phillips continuously fought for his district and crossed party lines to accomplish his goals, he said.
Current state Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108) said Phillips' love for the district made her fall in love with it as well.
"One of the greatest things he taught me was to always reach across the aisle. It doesn't matter if you're a Democrat or Republican, as long as you have the heart of the people in mind," she said.
A humble Phillips said he always considered such work his job. He hopes the legacy of the park will be one of helping the community.
"We should be proud of what we have, what we have been given, and the work that has been done by many, many individuals - not just myself - to make this a better place where people want to live, where people will want to work," he said.
While humble, Phillips was also grateful.
"This isn't just about the name going on the plaque. I know this is a heartfelt sentiment," he said. "Likewise, I am touched beyond words."
The new park, Phillips said later after he cut the ribbon for the Riverfront, is a testament of hard work and perseverance from multiple people and organizations.
It's not only important for Sunbury residents to have a park, but a safe place that will prevent future erosion and flood damages.
"I have no doubt the Riverfront Park will draw additional visitors. We all know tourism is an important part of the local economy. We have such an incredible resource, and it behooves us to take advantage of that and turn it into something terrific," Phillips said.
Flood remembered
When the weather is dry, Gordner said residents of Sunbury might wonder why the wall is there, but when the crest of the river lapped the top of the wall in September during the Flood of 2011, the wall was appreciated.
"The question was whether it would stand against flood waters in five or 10 years," Gordner said. "You can now rest assured that it will."
The riverfront phase of the project included installation of rip-rap and repair-restoration of an aging Works Progress Administration (WPA) wall constructed in the 1930s. The wall acts as a protective buffer for the main city flood wall. A riparian buffer was created along the waterfront to reduce soil infiltration into the river.
Both sides of the wall
There is now a way for residents to come across the wall to enjoy the river where once there was not an easy way to do so. Culver said residents didn't realize they had a river unless they peeked over the edge of the wall, and this park was a piece of the puzzle that was missing.
"Now we have the best of both worlds. We have access to this river, we can walk on this side, run on this side, picnic on this side, and hopefully have great entertainment on this side," she said.
This was Culver's first step over the wall since the completion of the project because she wanted to experience it in its finality.
"I was wowed when I walked over that wall today. This is amazing. Today we celebrate a new piece of history of the city of Sunbury," she said.
This is a "beautiful ending" to the story of the Riverfront project, she added.
The ceremony also featured James Brozena, Luzerne County Flood Protection; Chuck Kinney, senior vice president of Buchart Horn Inc.; T. Jay Cunningham, assistant executive director of design of PennDOT; John Giordano, deputy secretary of DCNR; Marcus Kohn, regional director of DEP; and Matthew Karnell, director of CFA Programs Division. The master of ceremonies was Thomas R. Deans, project coordinator.
The ceremony was followed by a luncheon near the fishing pier sponsored by various local businesses.