Waterfront Park Opens to the Public

Men, women, children and pets filed through a downed fence at the Safety Harbor Marina on Saturday morning, becoming the first official visitors to the city's new waterfront park.

The 'Peel the Fence Back' ceremony marked the opening of the 13-acre property, which was purchased from the Safety Harbor Spa and Resort more than 15 months ago, to the general public.

Despite inclement weather, the 11 a.m. event drew a sizable crowd; guests were treated to hot dogs, sodas, games and the opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the waterfront property.

"There was a lot to get in place before we could actually open it up to the public, but we're excited this day has finally come so everyone can go out and enjoy the park," Mayor Joe Ayoub told the crowd prior the fence takedown.

After the mayor spoke, chants of "knock it down" filled the air as Ayoub and Commissioner Cliff Merz snipped the ties that were holding the fence up while Commissioner Rick Blake helped kick it down. (Check out the video above.)

Once the entrance was open the crowd, which included city officials, children and many dogs, filed in and began enjoying the city's newest park.

While many people grabbed hot dogs and sodas, others walked along the shoreline, played cornhole and frisbee and even peppered Ayoub and Merz with water balloons.

Initial impressions of the park from those in attendance were favorable.

"I think this is a great addition to Safety Harbor's park system," resident Laura Stewart said. "My family and I look forward to using it often."

Mayor Ayoub was also thrilled to finally get the park open; he had stated it was his number one priority after he took office in January.

"I'm very excited the park is finally officially open to the public," he said later. 

"People can look forward to coming out here and enjoying this place in their leisure time," he added. "They can pack in here like sardines if they want."