After several years of piece-meal construction at the parcel of land located along Central Avenue now known as Tidewater Park, town officials are announcing a special ribbon cutting. Town Manager Jamie Smith told members of Laurel’s Mayor and Council at a recent meeting that a ribbon cutting, accompanied by a special ceremonial blessing by members of the Nanticoke Indian tribe will be held on Friday, Nov. 8, at 11 a.m.
The piece of property on Central Avenue for many years played host to Laurel’s annual Fourth of July carnival. Located across the road from the Shore Stop convenience store and Pizza King Restaurant, the property, in 2014, became a significant focus of a project concept developed by the “Reimagine Laurel Committee.” The park was a major conceptual component of the overall Broad Creek-centered Ramble project, spearheaded by the Laurel Redevelopment Corporation (LRC) in partnership with the town of Laurel.
The Ramble project placed a priority on commercial and residential development along the shores of the Broad Creek. Now after 10 years of efforts, Tidewater Park has become a centerpiece of community-based development.
The park now boasts of amenities including installation of a larger than life “eagle,” “turtle” and “beaver,” accompanied by a pavilion and playground equipment. A highlight of the recreational project is a special zip line attraction. The playground has been developed with a focus on children ages 2 through 12. It will provide recreational activities for young people, but will also be part of a large-scale educational theme with a focus on the history of the local Nanticoke Native American tribe.
According to Laurel town officials, the Blessing of the Park event marks a significant milestone in efforts to enhance recreational spaces, advocate for indigenous people’s history and promote environmental stewardship.
The ribbon cutting ceremony will feature a story of “Rainbow Crow, a Nanticoke legend” as told by traditional storyteller Ragghi Rain, in addition to a blessing from Nanticoke Chief Avery Johnson and Nanticoke spiritual leader Herman Jackson. The ribbon cutting will officially open the park to the public and “symbolize the beginning of a new chapter for outdoor recreation and learning in Laurel,” town officials said.
During the Monday, Oct. 21, meeting of Mayor and Council, Laurel Mayor John Shwed expressed his excitement for what he has observed taking place in the park over the past several weeks. “Every time I ride up and down Central Avenue, I see some family with children crawling all over the beaver or other park amenities,” he said. Shwed said a major highlight of the park is the zip line near the large crow. “That is in big demand back there. But the bottom line is, we’ve got a very unique attraction here in this community and it’s being received very well. We’ve got a real winner there,” he said.
Tidewater Park is designed to honor the Nanticoke Indian Tribe, the original inhabitants of the western Sussex area. The name “Nanticoke” meaning “people of the tidewater” in Algonquian, reflecting the tribe’s deep connection to the region. Tidewater Park features a playground that showcases the history and folklore of the Nanticoke Tribe, with play elements inspired by traditional Native American legends, such as Turtle Island: The Story of Creation, Squirrel Council, How the Beaver Got its Tail and Rainbow Crow.
In addition to the playground, the park includes walking paths, green spaces, and a picnic pavilion. The area also features an award-winning, green infrastructure design, including a constructed wetland that manages storm water from the upland drainage area. According to Ed Lewandowski, a community development specialist with Delaware Sea Grant at the University of Delaware and the project lead for the park, Tidewater Park is not only a place for recreation but also an educational experience, with interpretive panels that provide information about the Nanticoke stories represented in the play elements. “Tidewater Park is a wonderful spot for families and visitors to learn about Native American history while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. It is quickly becoming an anchor institution that is putting Laurel on the map as a unique tourist destination,” he said.
Town Manager Jamie Smith said that major funding to support the development of Tidewater Park was secured through a congressionally directed spending request from U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons. Also, allocations were provided by local state officials Sen. Bryant Richardson and Representative Tim Dukes as well as grant awards from the State of Delaware’s Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Trails program.
While inviting the public to attend the Blessing of the Park and ribbon cutting event at Tidewater Park, Mayor Shwed said the park is evidence of the direction the town is going in efforts to enhance the quality of life in and around Laurel. “Tidewater Park is a testament to our commitment to providing beautiful, accessible green spaces for all residents and visitors. We look forward to seeing the community come together to celebrate this wonderful addition to our town,” he said.
For more information, contact Jamie Smith, Town Manager, at 302-875-2277 or
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