By By MIKE VOSS
mike@wdnweb.com
Contributing Editor
Turning the dream of having Festival Park along part of Washington’s waterfront is closer to becoming a reality.
During its meeting Monday, the Washington City Council approved awarding a $125,700 contract to Washington-based Wimco Corp. to begin building the first phase of Festival Park. The park will be located on the grassy area between the North Carolina Estuarium, the former Maola plant, Water Street and the Pamlico River.
The council also accepted several monetary donations for Festival Park.
“We have a lot of checks for you all,” said Beth Byrd, executive director of the Washington Harbor District Alliance.
The council accepted a $25,000 check from Marie Tomasulo and her family. The money will be used to help pay for a children’s playground at Festival Park.
Tomasulo’s husband, Gary, died as the result of a fall on Labor Day 2009. Soon after his death, his family established the Gary Tomasulo Downtown Washington Playground Fund as part of an effort to continue Tomasulo’s efforts toward a better downtown for the youth of Washington. In that way, his dream for downtown Washington will always live on, family members said in the days after his death.
Memorials may be directed to the Gary Tomasulo Downtown Washington Playground Fund, 107 Island Lane, Washington, NC 27889.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the playground has been scheduled for 2 p.m. March 4.
Byrd, representing the Washington Harbor District Alliance, presented a $7,700 check to the council. That money will help pay for Festival Park’s events stage.
Don Stroud, representing the Washington Area Historic Foundation, presented at $1,000 check to the council. That money will be used to erect two pavilions at Festival Park.
“This is going to make (Festival Park) possible,” said Mayor Archie Jennings, adding that the city is grateful and appreciative of the groups’ generosity.
In September 2010, the city accepted a $295,125 Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant from the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources to help begin the project. The city is providing another $295,125 toward the project.
In January 2010, the council added the Festival Park master plan to the city’s parks and recreation master plan.
That master plan calls for a performance venue, public restrooms, a children’s play area, picnic shelter and benches, among other things. Susan Suggs, who helped develop the master plan, told the council last year she believes Festival Park will be a complementary addition to the city’s waterfront.
As planning for Festival Park progressed, several private groups said they were willing to help pay for Festival Park amenities, possibly allowing the city to decrease its obligation toward the project.
City officials believe Festival Park will support live performances, provide open space where people may relax, create play areas for children and provide opportunities for access to the Pamlico River.
For additional coverage of the council’s meeting, see future editions of the Washington Daily News.