The Kilmarnock Town Centre Park grand opening and celebration festivities are scheduled for July 8.
Drive by 150 North Main Street and see sidewalks that meander through the nine acres. An abundance of native plants and trees have been planted to create inviting and lush green spaces. A pavilion flanks the official entrance to the park and will be the location for a 9 a.m. dedication ceremony.
“We have a full day of family-friendly activities planned to celebrate the grand opening of the Kilmarnock Town Centre Park,” said mayor Mae Umphlett. “Soul Expressions, a high energy, seven-piece band from Richmond, will conclude the festivities with a free concert at the Half Shell Stage amphitheater.”
There is also a town green where playfield and picnic areas are located and visitors can spread a blanket and picnic, the child-centric waterworks where jets of water cool off young visitors, a playground called River Play, and Scottie’s Yard, a dog park with a view.
“The business community and local nonprofits have rallied around this project and have lent their support for the opening day celebration,” said deputy town manager Susan Cockrell. “We have children’s activities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. such as theater and dance performances, story time, grab-n-go crafts, face painting, “Big Toys,” Giggles the Clown, and games.”
Vendors will offer regional food favorites throughout the day. The Lancaster by the Bay Chamber of Commerce and Good Luck Cellars will provide adult beverages in a designated adult beverages garden from 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Parking is available at the Chesapeake Commons Shopping Center with shuttle service provided by Bay Transit from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Additional parking is available at the municipal lots by the Masonic Hall on Augusta Street and at Lancaster Middle School.
“The Kilmarnock Town Centre Park is an investment in the town, county and region. Join us to celebrate on Saturday, July 8,” said town manager Tom Saunders.
Opening day partners will include David A. Nice Builders, Guernsey Tingle and Associates, Land Planning & Design Associates, Bank of Lancaster/Virginia Commonwealth Bank, 101.7 BAY FM, Bay Transit, Chesapeake Bank, Chesapeake Homes, Children’s Theater presented by Rebecca Nunn, Etudes Ballet, Franklin Mechanical Contractors, Kilmarnock Lancaster Rescue Squad, Kilmarnock Volunteer Fire Department, Lancaster by the Bay Chamber of Commerce, Lancaster Community Library, Lancaster Lions Club, Middle Bay Realty, Rappahannock Art League, Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia State Police and White Stone Church of the Nazarene.
