SEAFORD, Del.- Phase one of Oyster House Park is now finished and open. The cost of this phase is around 1.2 million dollars funded through both public and private resources, including state transportation funds. Phase on features a new Riverwalk along the Nanticoke, but there is still much more to be done before the project is totally finished. The ribbon has been cut, and people are already out enjoying their walk along the Nanticoke River. Over two years worth of brain storming and planning is finally coming full circle, part of the reason why the city of Seaford is excited for people to see the natural beauty of the river and more. David Genshaw, the Seaford Mayor said, "Or you know a guy like me who's focus is really how do we increase economic development, well we believe this is a key for people to come here and after your walk on a hot day like today you want to go up and get a cold drink in one of our restaurants, we think this is going to draw attraction to that but also to our museums and everything else that's close by." With stunning views along the water, it gives memories to Senator Tom Carper who once led the state to upgrade the riverfront in Wilmington. He says there are similarities between the two projects and ton of potential.
Sen. Tom Carper, (D) - Delaware said, "Projects like this are not just good for economic reasons and tourism as well they're really good for uniting a community, pulling people together and that's what happened in the riverfront in Wilmington, that's exactly what's going to happen we'll be stronger and we'll be together."
But this project has deeper roots with Randall Larrimore with the Chesapeake Conservancy who says he's making an impact just like his father did when he was Mayor of Seaford in the 1960s. Randall Larrimore, the Chairman of the Chesapeake Conservancy said, "It means an awful lot. To think that 60 years ago my dad built a sewage disposal plant so that we can now swim in the Nanticoke, and here I'm responsible for opening up this gateway in the Nanticoke and to the Chesapeake Bay for thousands of people it's just very meaningful." Many people are excited about what the project offers and although it is already beautiful, there is still more to be done in the coming years.
There are still three more phases that need to be completed over the next five years before the project is finished but by that time it will have cost about seven million dollars.