The new park in downtown Salisbury is awaiting a few finishing touches but Unity Square is already open to the public with an official ribbon cutting on 3rd Friday in a few weeks. The splash pad will soon be activated, flowers will be planted, and a couple of benches and trash cans will be added, but for the most part, it’s done and it’s impressive.

I was among those who were skeptical of the plan, as the main parking downtown was taken away in favor of this, but once you see it, my guess is you’ll be won over as I have been. I’ve been watching the park’s construction for months, not really understanding what the finished product would be – seeing plans on paper, or ahem, the internet, is so much different than seeing the project in person.

Unity Square first opened a few weeks ago, finished enough for a couple of downtown events including 3rd Friday, and has continued to take shape. The sprinkler heads were installed just yesterday for the splash pad, and shrubs and trees have been added. The best view is from the top level of the parking garage and I can’t wait to see the lighting all finished. Curved concrete seating is on the side closest to the library, an ideal spot to rest and enjoy the park. Turf covers most of the ground, and large letters spelling UNITY are the backdrop. To the left of the UNITY letters is a bronze sculpture of hands reaching upward, containing casts of 218 local residents. Local artist Bill Wolff created the piece, soliciting the community to stop in to his workshop to place their hands in molds. The sculpture, appropriate named “All Together,” is fun and also contemplative. I admired the details of each hand – you’ll notice ages, wrinkles, nails, jewelry. It shows the uniqueness of people.

There’s also a splash pad, sound cylinders for kids of all ages to play, and a cleverly designed children’s tunnel and climbing area in the back right corner. That section is flanked by blue and yellow mats, springy like a running track and safer for children.

Given the times we live, technology is part of the design and there are multiple charging stations around the park. They’re subtle but look for the short black towers with a sliding cover to protect the ports from the elements.

The city of Salisbury enlisted Design Collective of Baltimore to plan the space and local company Harkins Builders to develop it.

One caveat, it must be said that this is s not a skateboard park; it was not designed for that use and signage will be added. The splashpad is a tempting spot to ride but damage has already been done to a few areas. The city code in Salisbury prohibits skateboarding except at the skate park on South Park Drive, just off Beaglin Park Drive. Find information on that park here. I’ve learned a lot about skateboarding as I researched this. Shop Local Delmarva is a positive place for residents and business community, so we are not inviting comments on the merits of city code. Instead, head on over to enjoy this new offering. See you at the ribbon cutting!