Park shows off a new look, and fans like what they see

NORFOLK

The waterfront was crowned the main attraction at Friday's much anticipated re opening of Town Point Park with the city's 33rd Harborfest celebration.

As part of the downtown park's $11.5 million face-lift, the grounds were terraced and the stage relocated so the view of the Elizabeth River became the focal point.

And people noticed.

"It's so much more open and spacious, you can really see the water," 24-year-old Kaitlin Parker said. "I've pretty much spent my life at this park one way or another and it's just beautiful now. It all seems to flow together."

Harborfest die-hards gave the new look props.

"I really like how they've done it - it's more geared toward the water," said Chris Curry of Elizabeth City, N.C., who has been to every Harborfest since 1985 except two. And he has the T-shirt collection to prove it.

Curry said he likes the wide brick-lined paths.

"It's a lot more convenient for people to get around the park," he said. "I think that will help with crowds."

With clear skies, tall ships, pirates, fireworks, food, music, dance and other entertainment, Festevents and city officials were expecting large crowds for the three-day festival. Turnout for Friday's opening ceremonies and traditional Parade of Sail did not disappoint.

"It looks totally different," Cynthia Burrell of Portsmouth said.

Her friend Barbara Woods declared the park beautiful.

"Everything looks so nice and new."

While many said they were impressed, not everyone agreed.

A sweaty jogger stopped Mayor Paul Fraim after the morning ribbon cutting and complained that the park has no drinking fountains. The old park had two.

Fraim said the city may reconsider and add them back.

Chesapeake's Rodney Houston said that although he was enjoying his afternoon in the park, "I don't see much difference."

"It's a waste of taxpayer dollars," he said. "We are in a recession now so we've got to think about how we spend our money."

Fraim said the park was showing its age and needed not only cosmetic improvements but also infrastructure upgrades after 26 years of wear and tear. He said the city's goal is to make the entire downtown public waterfront work as one.

The park now flows into the Nauticus and Half Moone Cruise and Celebration center, connected by a mermaid fountain and JumboTron giant screen TV. At the east end, an interactive fountain and permanent outdoor cafe transition the park into Waterside.

The next challenge, Fraim said, is overhauling Waterside, something visitors noticed Friday.

"I really hope Waterside is revamped," Mary Thurman of Chesapeake said. "It used to be elegant with nice shops."

Shep Miller, Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority chairman, agreed. NRHA is a partner in the ownership of Waterside.

"Waterside really needs to mesh, especially now because there's a whole different feel in the park now - it's got a lot of style to it." While a plan for Waterside's future is being considered, several first-floor interior walls have been removed to give the marketplace a more open feel and offer better water views.

"Waterside lost the energy it had when it opened," Miller said. "Now all this is one big space and it needs to work together."

Debbie Messina, (757) 446-2588, debbie.messina@pilotonline.com