AMESBURY – The city of Amesbury is planning to improve its access to the Merrimack River.
The Washington Landing Boat project will include shoreline restoration and revitalization of the Washington Landing Maritime Support Facility building a boat ramp, the addition to about 900 square feet of boardwalk, future construction of a harbormaster office, installation of a gangway and 100-foot finger dock for the boat ramp facility and transient vessels and improvements to the parking area and restoration of the living shoreline adjacent the boat ramp.
Nicholas Cracknel, director of the Amesbury Office of Community and Economic Development, said, “As supported in the city’s Open Space and Recreation Plan, the proposed capital improvements to the Washington Landing Park will significantly improve and expand public access, safety and enjoyment to and along the Merrimac River.”
The timing of the project gives the city the opportunity to continue working with the abutting property owners at the Marina at Amesbury Point to expand public access to more than 300 feet of shoreline along the Merrimac River, Crackel said.
The project is supported by $840,000 in grant funding awarded by the Supportive Coastal Infrastructure and Local Maritime Economic Development Planning grants program that promotes economic growth in coastal communities.
It came as part of a $2 million earmark in 2024 shared among five other communities.
Amesbury Police Chief Craig Bailey and Cracknell co-wrote the application that was submitted to the state as part of a plan to improve recreational access to the Merrimac River and support potential economic development along the waterfront. State Rep. Dawn Shand advocated at the State House in support of the funding for Amesbury.
“This corner of our community has long been overlooked. I want to thank Representative Shand for her advocacy and the Healey-Driscoll administration for their investment in unlocking a whole new access point for transportation and economic development,” said Mayor Kassandra Gove. “I hope this project gets others excited and we have a great partner in bringing our vision to life. We’re building a new doorstep for our community to welcome commuters, residents, and visitors.”
Along with the application came written letters of support in the form of matching funds from two local marinas that utilize the boat ramp. Both John Jay McPartland, owner of the Marina at Hatter’s Point and Dan Healey, owner of the Marina at Amesbury Point committed funds to be utilized in the design, permitting, and future maintenance of the maritime support facility. Marc Frontiero, owner of Goodwin Creek Marina, also provided a letter of support which was included in the proposal.
Bailey said, “For generations, Harbormasters for the city of Amesbury have advocated for better access of the Merrimac River to the public. This project not only does that but also gives the boating public better access to the City of Amesbury, something I am sure Harbormasters of the past would be incredibly proud and supportive of.” ♦
