Sarnia's Centennial Park is still on track to fully reopen to the public June 2.
City Engineer Andre Morin is asking all parties involved in the lengthy remediation of the park to honour that date, barring any severe weather or vandalism.
He says construction of the new boat ramp at Sarnia Bay Marina continues to be hampered by unknown debris in the bay, like concrete, rebar and electronic waste, and the inability to control water flow through the lake bed of the new boat launch site.
However, he says plenty of progress is being made.
The installation of playground equipment and a healing garden, both funded by the Rotary Club of Sarnia-Bluewaterland, are almost complete.
All concrete pathways are 75 % finished and the planting of new trees, shrubs and native plants will be followed by hydroseeding in the next few weeks.
Mayor Mike Bradley says it's nice to see donations to improve the amenities there.
"Secondly, there is consideration of a new festival called "Bluewater BorderFest" that would take place there for two days in July," says Bradley. "It wouldn't be Bayfest style. It would be 2,500 to 3,000 people each night, but it's welcome to see activity back on the waterfront."
City council is being asked Monday to grant a noise by-law exemption for event July 28 and 29.
PM Entertainment Group has plans for daytime kids entertainment on the Saturday and outdoor summer concerts both nights -- featuring a mixed lineup of country, pop and rock artists.
Details on a possible corporate sponsorship deal will also be shared with council.
City staff have submitted an application to Shell Canada for sponsorship of the new pedestrian crosswalk on Front St. and the new solar powered bus shelter on the west side of the street.
The first organized activity in Centennial Park is set for June 17.
Preparations are underway for a "Centennial Park Celebration and Everything Ontario/Canada" event from 11am to 7pm that day.
Most of the popular waterfront park has been closed off the past four summers after the discovery of asbestos and other contaminants in May 2013.
