Town Point Park gets last changes before Norfolk's big party

NORFOLK

The interactive fountains dance. The landscape lighting flickers in a rainbow of colors. The JumboTron - a giant screen television - broadcasts live images of the Elizabeth River.

Town Point Park has a new look and energy after a nine-month, $11.5 million face-lift, which goes on display today with a trio of celebrations over three days - Harborfest, July Fourth and reopening festivities.

Festevents, city staff and a horde of subcontractors scurried around the park this week preparing for the big coming-out party.

"You won't find much in here that isn't brand-new," said Karen Scherberger, Festevents executive director.

All that newness brings new work, and new challenges.

Which means no early arrivals, please.

Three of the four tall ships sailed in a day early. Dashing around the park with a long checklist, Scherberger asked them to stay in the harbor overnight.

"When you bring in a tall ship, it's like having 200 house guests," she said. "Can you imagine 200 house guests arriving early?"

After all, the flags were still being raised. Construction fences had to come down. Commemorative bricks and plaques had to be placed. An ATM, hand sanitizing stations and misting fans still had to be installed.

And, of course, vendors need a water supply. New utility supply units are located throughout the park, but two days before opening, one area was without water. "Are you up for making a miracle happen today?" Scherberger asked a plumber.

Scherberger has coordinated hundreds of festivals before. Her philosophy this week: "Expect the unexpected and roll with it."

On top of finishing touches in the park, work on the first phase of Waterside's remodeling was wrapping up as well. Many first-floor walls have been torn out, opening up expansive views of the Elizabeth River.

Entertainment will be hosted inside Waterside for Harborfest, but on Wednesday, ladders were up and areas were taped off.

"There are a number of things that aren't being addressed in here," Scherberger chirped into a radio as she moved briskly through the construction area.

On her way out of the building, heading back to Town Point's backstage trailer, she picked up timbers thrown in the landscaping and a discarded paint can.

Scherberger passed Dave Bell with Stage Right Lighting, sitting in the bushes with an open laptop computer. He was synchronizing the nearly 2,000 LED lights embedded in pavement, brick and landscaping.

The lights' colors and flashing patterns can be programmed to accompany music and fireworks. Company CEO Jeremy Kilgore said it's among the world's largest LED synchronized light projects.

"Town Point Park will be a whole different experience at night," Scherberger said.

And every day.

Visitors can play in an interactive fountain near Waterside and relax next to a mermaid fountain near Nauticus.

They will be treated to free daily entertainment throughout the summer at TowneBank Fountain Park next to Waterside, including movies, music, dancing, games, tournaments, crafts, children's programming and exercise classes. The area also includes Omar's Fountain Cafe, which will serve food, drinks and occasionally beer and wine.

The JumboTron on the wall of Nauticus faces over the park and broadcasts live scenes from the park and waterfront. It will transmit messages about Nauticus, the battleship Wisconsin and other downtown attractions.

Town Point Park reopened today with a ceremony at 10 a.m., dedicating the park as the "People's Park." Ceremonies took place at the north entrance near Nauticus.

"I think," Scherberger said, "the people will be real pleased."

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