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Despite the heavy downpour, the clouds cleared up and the crowd came on down for the grand opening of Suffolk’s new Downtown Festival Park.

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the merger between the City of Suffolk and the City of Nansemond (formally Nansemond County), the park finally saw its completion and welcomed residents and visitors during its commemorative 50 Fest, held at the park’s location of 215 W. Washington St. on August 3. Amongst the many attendees that participated in the fun, the event saw local vendors, food trucks and live music from Virginia band InsideOut, who performed plenty of uptempo pop and soul tunes for the crowd.

Decked out in a 70’s themed outfit for the event, Council Member John T. Rector of the Suffolk Borough marked the occasion while speaking to attendees.

“This is a truly special occasion for Suffolk and I am thrilled to share this moment with all of you,” Rector said. “This park, now officially open, symbolizes more than just a new green space in our downtown area. It represents the heart and soul of our community: a vibrant hub where families can come together, friends can unite, and residents and visitors can celebrate the very essence of what makes Suffolk so unique. As we embark on our 50th year, this new park becomes an even more poignant addition to our city.”

Mayor Michael D. Duman also gave remarks to mark the moment. Duman discussed the City of Suffolk having a time capsule, which will include a library card, challenge coins and other items, including a letter Duman wrote addressed to the future City of Suffolk Mayor of 2074. The capsule will be opened on the 100th anniversary of the city merger. Duman read the letter to the audience.

“Dear future Mayor of Suffolk, as I pen this letter, it is August 3rd, 2024 – a milestone date for our beloved city. Today we celebrate the grand opening of the Downtown Suffolk Festival event park and mark the 50th anniversary of Suffolk’s merger with Nansemond County,” Duman read to the audience. “I suppose that means you are now celebrating a century of Suffolk. It is with great pride and joy that I extend my warmest greetings and share a glimpse of our present, while also sending best wishes for your future.”

Duman reflected on Tropical Storm Isaias, which devastated the site where the park now stands as well as surrounding buildings in 2020.

“After collaborating with the property owners, city staff and City Council, the decision was made to acquire the property and create a downtown green space amenity,” Duman read. “This is a true testament to our commitment to growth, community spirit and a nurturing of spaces where people can come together, celebrate, and build lasting memories. It stands as a symbol of the progress we have made in our dedication into fostering a vibrant, inclusive and thriving environment for our residents.”

Attending the grand opening, Chassity Beabs-Harris says she was glad the weather cleared for the event.

“Once I saw that the rain had broken up, I said ‘Oh, let’s head on down there.’ It look like it would be a nice crowd, especially since they have live music and great food,” Beabs-Harris said. “And I wanted to see what they were going to do with the rest of the display. So I am glad to know that it’s going to turn into something even more beautiful than what it is.”

Deputy City Attorney Stephanie Pough-Smith and Alonzo Smith stopped by for the grand opening as well. Pough-Smith talked about being out for the city’s big event.

“I think it’s really cool that the Festival Park is actually open and this is a great way to open it,” Pough-Smith said. “The weather has worked out, it’s not too hot. We appreciate the breeze and it’s just great to be out here and see my co-workers and the community out here celebrating this event.”

Smith followed up, summarizing the event nicely.

“Good food, good music, good people!” he said enthusiastically

Likewise, Deputy City Manager Kevin Hughes expressed his excitement for the project’s competition while thinking forward towards the future of Downtown.

“I am really excited that we’re open [so] folks can enjoy the space, but honestly, I am most excited about the future,” Hughes said. “So this will change the landscape of this block and Downtown. It’s just such a significant project for our Downtown to compliment the people that now live here and call Downtown Suffolk home, [and] our business community. It’s just going to change a lot, in a very positive way.”

Editor’s note: Updated second passage at 5:53 p.m., Wednesday, August 7 to reflect accuracy.

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