New waterfront spirit gardens about creating a destination

A large part of the waterfront development is nearing competition and is expected to be ready for the public by the fall.

The $2.25 million spirit gardens, mainly on the former Wilson Street headlands, features a community garden, ceremonial fire pit and a gathering circle. There is also a living shoreline on the west side of the headland, said waterfront construction supervisor Gary Wood.

"It used to be just parkland but now it’s a destination," Wood said Friday afternoon on a tour of the construction site. "It’s been a total transformation."

The gathering circle features a log seating area made from trees cut down near Vickers Park when a sidewalk on Arthur Street was widened last year. With its amphitheater-like setting, Wood said uses for the site are nearly endless.

Westfort Coun. Joe Virdiramo said it was the first time he’s seen the project.

While the construction, which stretches from the headland to the end of Pier 2, was costly, the councilor says he believes it will all be worth it in the end.

"I think it is worth the expenditure. I think once it’s done and open and people start coming down they will really appreciate it."

Virdiramo said people will be able to use the land for events or just as a place to sit and look out at Lake Superior.

Wood said with the contract almost complete, he hopes the space will be open to the public by early fall