With Cathy Grier and the Troublemakers playing and plastic glasses of cherry mimosa clinking in the background, the official opening of Graham Park was marked Friday morning with a ribbon-cutting and the fountain turning on for the first time. The park in its present form has been years in the making, with the vision changing from just a place with some yard games and greenspace to one with a fountain and an amphitheater that could fit a few dozen people. Sterling Landscape, the Raibrook Foundation, and donors to the project were all recognized for making the city park possible without the use of public tax dollars. During his remarks, Sturgeon Bay Mayor David Ward gave credit to retired Destination Sturgeon Bay Executive Director Pam Seiler for her efforts from the very beginning. Seiler was all smiles after the ribbon cutting took place as people milled around the park playing bag toss, checking out the fountain, and listening to music.

It has been a busy few weeks for Sturgeon Bay’s waterfront after last month’s ceremonies celebrating the new maritime tower and west promenade. The wooly mammoth statue will be dedicated next Saturday at Bay View Park.