Nearly a decade after voters approved more than $5 million dollars in funding as part of Bond 2008, Water’s Edge Park officially opened Wednesday. City officials couldn’t be happier.
“This is a wonderful day for our community, for our citizens, and for our visitors,” said Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Director Jay Ellington.
Mayor Joe McComb also heaped on the praise.
“They’ve done a great job on the park, and there’s going to be a lot of people down to enjoy it,” said Mayor McComb. “Once word gets out we’re open for business, I think you’ll see a lot more.”
Spanning more than 22 acres along Shoreline Boulevard, the city hopes the Water’s Edge becomes the crown jewel of its parks system.
“This is where most of our people think of when they come to the Bayfront,” said Ellington. “You think of walking along the seawall and bringing your friends and family here.”
Park visitors were also impressed.
“I love it,” said Shamus Donahoe, a Camp Gladiator trainer. “Seeing people be outside and be active, that’s what we’re all about.”
Camp Gladiator is just one of the groups already using the park. According to Ellington, you’ll be able to find something to do at Water’s Edge Park almost every day.
“Whether it’s an exercise class, or the dog park, or the playground; there will be plenty of activities for everybody to enjoy,” said Ellington.
“Having a park attracts people naturally,” added Donahoe. “Something that is well-maintained right in the center of everything, that’s the key to drawing people out.”
Initially Water’s Edge Park was met with resistance from people unhappy Memorial Coliseum had to be torn down, but Mayor McComb says the city made sure to honor the property’s past.
“We’ve kept the plaque that used to be on the old Memorial Coliseum,” said McComb. “There’s a lot of history on this piece of property, we’re fixing to make some more.”
Plenty of events are already lined up for Water’s Edge Park, starting with this year’s Buc Days Carnival. During her remark, City Manager Marjorie Rose added Water’s Edge Park could also attract national events, like 3-on-3 basketball tournaments, to Corpus Christi.
