LYNN – Lynn community leaders celebrated the official phase one opening of Harbor Park on Tuesday.
The over 30 acre area of land on the Lynn waterfront was a former municipal landfill. As of July, it has since been transformed into walking paths, a recreational area, pickleball courts, and an outdoor amphitheater.
The completion of the first phase of the project was made possible with partnerships with Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA), MassDevelopment, Charter Environmental, and AW Perry.
On Tuesday, those involved in the project gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony to honor the park’s significance to the city.
“What we’re standing on today is one of many possibilities. Seeing this park open these past few weeks, I can tell you nothing invests meaning in this place like our residents seeding and reaping their own moments of joy and fulfillment,” Mayor Jared Nicholson said. “Families picnicking, photographers roaming all over searching for that perfect shot of beauty that we have right here, kids playing a basketball tournament on their waterfront.”
He added, “We now have dedicated open space and public access on that waterfront. We have an economic development catalyst that’s helping us solve environmental problems. We should look to this park as a reminder that we can do things that seem hard and unlikely.”
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll spoke about the future impact of Harbor Park.
“It is fabulous to see this Harbor Park come to fruition. Park and recreational space is a gift to the next generation. Decades from now, future leaders are going to see this space, and it started because people came together and understood the commitment that it takes to put gifts like this together,” she said.
She added, “This is an opportunity for us to take what was once a dirty, dusty, smelly sight and turn it into something that is beautiful where families can be engaged. It’s driving the strategy that’s about quality of life, that’s about development opportunities that recognize that green spaces are not just about who is using them now, but what they will drive for the foreseeable future.”
Bob Delhome, founder and CEO of Charter Environmental, spoke about the goals of the project.
“Lynn’s leaders and residents were calling for change. With the waterfront open space master plan, a roadmap for environmental justice, community planning, and intentional investment, we saw a unique opportunity to create a park that would benefit that city’s next chapter,” Delhome said.
He added, “It was about building a green space that is active, resilient, and truly impactful. A space that sets the stage for a future of life. Each partner stayed aligned around one goal, delivering the park we stand in today, now owned by the city for the benefit and the enjoyment of the community at large.”
Bonnie Heiple, Commissioner at MassDEP, provided insight on the extensive progress the project has made with revitalizing the area.
“When this concept was first presented to MassDEP nearly a decade ago, it was more than just a plan to address a badly neglected landfill. It was a vision for the future of Lynn. But as we can all appreciate, it would not be easy. We were dealing with extensive contamination, industrial waste, an eroding coastline, and a myriad of other issues,” she said.
Heiple added, “People wanted and deserved a place to explore nature, hike, and to connect with each other. As of today, these are no longer just dreams, and the work of so many made the beautiful park a reality. This is a great outcome for the environment, for public health, and for the city of Lynn.”
Sen. Brendan Crighton applauded the commitment that project leaders took when it came to navigating roadblocks within the Harbor Park vision.
“This project wasn’t typical. There was a great deal of skepticism from a lot of folks. But leaders identified the problem, identified the challenge, and seized the opportunity. Without their vigilance and persistence, we wouldn’t be standing here in what is now this beautiful treasure in the city of Lynn” Crighton said.
Rep. Sean Reid shared a similar sentiment.
“This has been such a game changer for this area for our residents’ health and to attract investments. We can get easily frustrated when things don’t make progress, but clearly things can happen when we come together. We’ve turned a dump into a beautiful gem. What can’t we do at this point?” Reid said.
Lynn City Council President Jay Walsh reflected on the community coming together for Tuesday’s Harbor Park celebration.
“There’s moments when you’re in government, and you know you can see the end of a project coming, and you know it’s going to make a difference. This is one of those moments for us in the city,” Walsh said.
Ward 6 Councilor Fred Hogan discussed future plans for Harbor Park.
“This is a tremendous project, and we’ve got a lot of work to do. All the partners coming together year after year has been truly amazing. The City of Lynn is going to take pride in this park. What we’ve put out here is going to be for all of us to enjoy. When I come up here, I get so excited. But we’re not done, we’re gonna keep working for this city,” Hogan said.
While the first phase of the Harbor Park project included repurposing the landfill, future phases will seek to provide additional recreational areas and amenities, a welcome center, and a restored shoreline.
