While area children have been enjoying it since the first piece of equipment was installed, last Friday Tidewater Park in Laurel was officially opened with the ribbon cutting ceremony and a blessing by the Nanticoke Indian tribe.
“I can’t express how excited I am for this moment—it’s truly an honor to be part of such a special occasion. Of all the projects I’ve seen completed in our town, this is by far my favorite. This park is one of a kind, and it’s a true gem that only Laurel can proudly claim,” said Laurel Town Manager Jamie Smith.
Guests at last Friday’s ceremony at Tidewater Park take part in the ribbon cutting following the blessing by the Nanticoke Indian tribe. Photo by Mike McClure
Smith thanked the Nanticoke Indian tribe for sharing their stores as well as the Ramble committee for believing in the project. The total cost of the project was $1,661,322 with $1,642,000 of that coming from grants and contributions. Less than $20,000 of the cost came from town funds.
Smith thanked the following for supporting the project: Laurel Women’s Civic Club, Laurel Lions Club, Sen. Coons and Sen. Carper, Community Project Funding, Representative Tim Dukes and Sen. Bryant Richardson, Community Transportation Funds, Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation, Delaware Department of Natural Resources, University of DE Sea Grant, Nanticoke Watershed Alliance, and Laurel Redevelopment Corporation.
Dr. Jules Bruck, former director of the School of Landscape Architecture at the University of Delaware, at the request of Ed Lewandowski of the Delaware Sea Grant Program, volunteered her expertise to design the park. Her goal was to create a space that not only reflected Laurel’s rich history but also stood out as a unique and memorable location. In her research, Dr. Bruck uncovered the important role the Nanticoke Tribe played in this region’s history, and she incorporated this cultural heritage into the design of Tidewater Park.
The park features four distinct play areas: Turtle Cove, How the Beaver Got Its Tail, and the two newest additions—Squirrel Council and Rainbow Crow. Dr. Bruck’s design was brought to life with the help of Kompan, Inc., which constructed the play areas.
Smith thanked Kompan as well as Lewandowski who she called a tireless champion of the project. Lewandowski took the lead in completing the grant applications to secure the funding.
“Ed may not live in Laurel, but his passion for this town is clear, and we are deeply grateful for everything he’s done,” she said.
Herman Jackson of the Nanticoke Tribe did the blessing of Earth Mother of Tidewater Park and Ragghi Rain presented the Nanticoke prayer and the story of Rainbow Crow.
“All of our relatives are here today. Today we choose to speak the Nanticoke language so our ancestors can hear our prayers,” said Rain. “Once you have thought something, once you have spoken something you can never unspeak it.”
Dr. Bonnie Hall, on behalf of Chief Avery Johnson and the Nanticoke Nation, noted that November is Native American History Month. “Native American history is American history,” Hall said. “Today is more about our future and not of its past.”
In advance of Veterans Day, Sen. Tom Carper asked veterans in attendance to stand with him at the beginning of his speech. He said he heard about plans for the park 10 years ago while attending a parade in town.
“This park is not just a playground. It honors the Nanticoke Indian heritage,” said Carper. “I don’t know of another park in Delaware quite like this one.”
“What an appropriate time (Native American Month) for this dedication ceremony today,” Laurel Mayor John Shwed said. “We are starting to see a new revitalized Laurel take shape and Tidewater Park is a great first step to the future.”