(Photo by Amber Phipps) Mayor Josh Schlicher, Ohio Senator Brian Chavez, and Commissioner Charlie Schilling stand before the site of the official groundbreaking and changing of the bricks on Friday in downtown Marietta.

The groundbreaking for the Marietta Levee Park Project took place on Ohio Street Friday at 2 p.m.

The long awaited project will begin around September with a completion date scheduled for a year after the start of the project.

The project includes substantial enhancements to Ohio Street and the surrounding waterfront area. Plans include but aren’t limited to the removal of the power lines to be placed underground, new sidewalks and brick details, the addition of stairs for access to the bike path from the road, and an updated retaining wall.

City officials have taken the public’s concerns into consideration after two years and 19 events of surveys and public comment.

The groundbreaking started with a vocal performance put on by the Marietta High School choir. Guests were offered refreshments and seated with views of the river.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) Members of various groups in the community stand together on Ohio Street to change out a few of the old bricks and replace them with the new.

“This project is a once in a lifetime gift and opportunity for the city of Marietta,” said Mayor Josh Schlicher. “It shows the commitment to developing a vibrant riverfront area that prioritizes functionality, safety, our city’s history, and aesthetic appeal.”

Speakers at the groundbreaking included Marietta City Councilman Bret Allphin, Schlicher, Marietta’s 52nd Mayor Nancy Hollister, Main Street Executive Director Jen Tinkler, Washington County Commissioner Charlie Schilling, Executive Director of ILCAO DR Gossett, Danny De Los Santos with the Ruhlin Company, Landscape Architecture Director Mark Underwood, Director of the Governor’s Office of Appalachia John Carey and Ohio Senator Brian Chavez.

“It is a true privilege to be here on this glorious day with this glorious view and that’s really what this is all about,” said Chavez.

Each speaker discussed their gratitude for everyone involved in the project and the initiative to maintain Marietta’s history with the goal to preserve and revitalize.

The groundbreaking included a crowd of city officials as well as board members and community individuals all attending and watching history unfold.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) The groundbreaking ceremony for the Marietta Levee Park Project took place at 2 p.m. Friday.

Tinkler stated that after the success of the first half of the Enrich Marietta Plan, the second half including the levee project, she’s excited to see it begin.

“The second thing that was important to us was the levee project and I’m really excited to see that kick off here today,” said TInkler.

The groundbreaking concluded with the changing of the bricks on Ohio Street which represented the start of the project.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) The community of Marietta gathered on Friday to celebrate the groundbreaking for the Marietta Levee Park Project and watch history unfold.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) Bret Allphin, Chastity Schmelzenbach, Charlie Schilling, John Carey, Josh Schlicher, Erin O’Neil and DR Gossett stand before the site of the official groundbreaking where the bricks were changed for new ones to represent the start of the project.

(Photo by Amber Phipps) Marietta High School choir members began the groundbreaking ceremony with a vocal performance.