West Street, a popular destination by residents and visitors to go for a walk, or stop to watch the ships cruise by, is currently receiving a springtime makeover.
The City is currently executing plans to convert areas along the promenade that were garden beds back to green lawn space with the intention of encouraging residents and visitors to find a spot to relax and enjoy the canal activity. Crews are also installing new planting beds that will contain 179 native and ornamental grasses including prairie fire and pampas that have various heights and characteristics. Perennials will also be incorporated into the new beds, including lavender super blue and Russian sage; however, annuals will remain reserved for the planters that line the walkway.
To accommodate these new garden beds a partial retaining wall has been erected along the Canal to help hold soil and to create depth in the garden to encourage growth.
“The garden beds on West Street were over 20 years old and it was time to spruce them up”, said Mike Audit, Parks Foreman. “The plants originally chosen were not thriving and the new landscape plan developed by our Gardener will be aesthetically pleasing for residents and visitors and low maintenance for our staff.”
In celebration of Earth Day, on Monday, April 22, 2019, two Shade Master Locust will also be planted along the promenade.
In addition to new garden beds, a seating area will also be installed at the viewing platform at the south end of West Street, creating a welcoming place for residents and visitors to PORTiciapte on the Promenade.
