‘Land Buoy’ installed at Pier 53; park opens Aug. 15

UPDATE: An opening ceremony has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Aug. 15. So, yes, the park is in fact opening that day.

A construction crew is rushing to finish work at Pier 53 for the park’s debut, which could happen as early as Aug. 15, according to a designer at the site.

The “Land Buoy” structure designed by artist Jody Pinto has been installed and the boardwalk has mostly been completed at the park, which juts into the Delaware River behind the Sheetmetal Workers union hall at Washington Avenue and Columbus Boulevard.

Within a matter of days, the solar-powered blue tip of the sculpture should start glowing, the designer at the site told us.

When construction is complete, Pier 53 will focus on the ecology of the site as well as celebrating the pier’s past as an immigration station, and the boardwalk will offer visitors a dynamic view of the Delaware River.

We’ll keep you posted as to the official opening date. Looks like a lot of work still needs to be done.