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The Ipswich Historic Riverwalk is the culmination of years of planning and marks the completion of the town's Riverwalk network. It is designed to heighten awareness of the town's natural resources, particularly the river, and to provide a recreational destination for residents and tourists. The new River Crossing replaces a foot bridge that spanned the river for many years. It will connect the town's historic heritage on both sides of the river with its commercial center. The bridge also provides easier access to the Ipswich commuter rail station.
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The Riverwalk Project has been years in the making and is a collaborative effort between the Ipswich Partnership and the Town of Ipswich with major corporate contributors being the Quebec-Labrador Foundation and EBSCO Publishing, which provided easements for access to the pedestrian bridge and walkway.
Funds for the construction of the Crossing have been received from state and federal grants as well as from the Town of Ipswich which authorized construction of the Riverwalk by a Town Meeting vote. Corporate donations from EBSCO Publishing have greatly contributed towards the realization of this project. Privately funded initiatives have also contributed. Mass Highways awarded the contract to Franchi Construction Company for construction of the walkway and installation of the twelve-foot wide footbridge.
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The many benefits of building the Riverwalk include: protecting and preserving our natural resources, creating a cohesive and attractive pathway system, increase tourism with a pedestrian-friendly downtown, expand access to our historic treasures, and improve resident access to downtown and public transportation. The Committee's goals are to: Increase awareness and visibility of the Ipswich River in the center of Ipswich, enhance the appeal of the downtown area for residents and tourists, highlight the historic heritage of Ipswich, e.g., early architecture, the Choate Bridge, Ipswich Mills Historic District, the So-Cho shopping district, connect the historic and business districts on both sides of the river, encourage downtown pedestrian traffic to benefit local businesses, and develop and sponsor recreational activities for all ages and interests with the river as the centerpiece. Partners of the Historic Ipswich Riverwalk include:
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For more information contact:
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Long awaited construction began on the Downtown River Crossing in April 2004 with a target completion date of October 2005. It will consist of a pocket park, a pedestrian bridge, and a walkway on the other side of the river. Entrance will be at the pocket park adjacent to the Quebec-Labrador Foundation on South Main Street (Route 1A). The twelve-foot wide pedestrian bridge will
cross the Ipswich River just below the old hosiery mill dam. A walkway on the other side along the river will extend the entire length of the EBSCO Publishing parking deck on a twenty-foot wide easement granted to the town. The Crossing will then exit onto Union Street. This walkway along the river will have two shade shelters and benches for pedestrians.
