SALISBURY — Downtown Salisbury’s new community gathering spot recently held its first official event.
City of Salisbury officials and other dignitaries marked the opening of Unity Square with a May 17 ribbon-cutting ceremony that coincided with the 3rd Friday event themed “Paw Prints."
“Today marks a significant milestone in the journey of Salisbury,” said Allen Swiger, director of the city’s Arts, Business and Culture department, at the event. “As we gather here in the vibrant atmosphere of 3rd Friday, we celebrate the culmination of dedication, collaboration and a shared vision.
“In this space where laughter will echo and memories will be made, let us remember that journey that brought us here.”
Unity Square, first proposed to City Council in 2019, is part of Salisbury’s 2015-2035 Downtown Master Plan. Created in 2014, the plan outlines recommended developments for neighborhoods, buildings, streets, community spaces and more.
The space, located next to the city’s parking garage and one block away from the intersection of Main and Division Streets, features a play area, flexible lawn space with seating, a reading garden, sculpture and public art and an interactive fountain.
Officials said the park is equipped for multiple events, including Third Fridays and major events like the Maryland Folk Festival. Families can gather for picnics, play games or enjoy seasonal entertainment ranging from ice skating to cooling off in the fountain in warmer months.
City officials have said that some form of a central community gathering space has been recommended in Downtown Master Plans since 1965.
“It is a journey marked by countless hours of planning, tireless efforts of community leaders and an unwavering support of each and every one of you out here today,” Swiger said.
Swiger said Unity Square isn’t just a park, but a promise to the entire city.
“It’s a promise to cherish and nurture this park where people can come together, connect with nature and forged bonds that transcend boundaries,” Swiger said. “So let us use this space as a catalyst for positive change as we embark on the next chapter of Salisbury’s journey together and united.”
Bill Wolff, current chair of the Salisbury University Art Department, used casts of the hands of more than 200 Salisbury community members in the sculpture, “All Together,” which resides at Unity Square.
Commissioned by the Greater Salisbury Committee, and led by Chris Eccelston of Delmarva Veteran Builders, the piece features the hands of community members including SU President Carolyn Ringer Lepre, line workers from Perdue Farms, health care providers from TidalHealth, members of the Greater Salisbury Committee, local religious leaders, Wicomico County teachers and students and others.
Wolff said he approached the project with the idea that everyone has a story.
“This was the first major piece completed in the new foundry in the 3-D Art’s Building on Milford Street and it is a great example of collaboration between the city and the university and public, enabling a piece that literally represents the community,” Wolff said.
Salisbury Poet Laureate Nancy Mitchell said Unity Square brings everyone in the city together no matter their background. She said she asked various community members what the park means to them.
According to Mitchell, Salisbury native and Ms. Wheelchair Maryland 2024 Dominique Sessa said Unity Square is a place where she faces no barriers and a spot where her wheelchair can glide as easily as a dancer.
Mitchell said Unity Square also includes the four elements that support all living things on Earth.
“Earth, we have in the beautiful landscaping,” Mitchell said. “The air is all around us. And we will have water in the splash pad. And as for fire, well, fire is in the love that burns in Salisbury’s collective human heart.”
Salisbury Mayor Randy Taylor said Unity Square is not just a physical space, but a “symbol of hope and a place where diversity thrives.”
“It’s a reflection of our shared values and aspirations,” Taylor said. “May it serve as a beacon of inspiration, fostering connections and enriching lives for generations.”
Shortly after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the water to the splash pad was turned on, putting smiles on dozens of children in attendance while bringing Mitchell’s earlier message of water to fruition.
Reach Managing Editor Richard Caines at rcaines@iniusa.org.
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