After a 10-year wait, Kissimmee's brand new waterfront park is finally open following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday.
City officials hope the new $30 million Lakefront Park signifies a new chapter for the local economy.
"It's time to celebrate some hard work," Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan said Saturday.
Hundreds of people celebrated the park’s opening with food trucks, a playground and music. Uncle Kracker and Sugar Ray headlined the musical performances at Saturday's event.
"Each year, we've seen it get better and better," said Sherry Blankenship, a Kissimmee resident. "It really looks fantastic today. The new marina, the playground. It's all fantastic."
Leaders hope the grand opening represents a new chapter for the community.
"Our ultimate goal is to have better-paying jobs for our community in the future," Swan said. "Those are things that are more important than a park. But, maybe the park can set the stage for those things to happen later."
The park is located at 201 Lakeview Drive.