Lighthouse River Centre open
HAMPTON - The image of a ship with oars on New Brunswick's flag suggests it's a province going somewhere. Paddles and boats feature prominently in a new development signaling Hampton, too, is a town making progress.
The Lighthouse River Centre had its grand opening June 21. Situated on the Kennebecasis River bank at 1075 Main St., it serves as a focal point for paddling and boat tours as well as community events.
The reference to "lighthouse" in the centre's name refers to a historic feature of the adjacent park. A former property owner there had built a model lighthouse by the river. When the area came to be used as a park half a century ago it was known as "Lighthouse Park." The name stuck long after the lighthouse was gone, said centre manager Jennifer Duguay.
Duguay manages the river centre as well as the visitor information centre at the Hampton train station. The lone year-round staff member at the centre, she may call on any of the five students employed at the visitor centre this summer if required.
The centre is open year-round with office hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but it can be booked for weekends and evenings. The main floor level of the hall consists of an open meeting area with large windows overlooking the Kennebecasis. There is a small kitchen and tables and chairs available. Downstairs, canoe and kayak outfitter Rafe Hooper operates Osprey Adventures, which also opened June 21.
Duguay said the centre is an ideal place for meetings in the morning and a wellness activity at Osprey in the afternoon. "It's also a designated hot spot for wireless," she said. "We can host any type of community gathering such as a small wedding reception and arts and culture awareness events."
In addition to the building, the project included a deck, interpretive displays and renovations to the floating docks and boat ramp. The park and centre highlight the history, culture and wildlife of Hampton and the Kennebecasis River.
Hampton Mayor Ken Chorley, St. John River Society president Muriel MacKenzie, Hampton-Kings MLA Bev Harrison and Fundy Royal MP Rob Moore were on hand for the opening ceremony.
Formerly known as the River Trails Network, the Lower River Passage initiative aims to support sustainable tourism along the St. John River system and create opportunities for riverside communities by developing river trails, multi-use centres, boat landings and interpretive signage.
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency invested $654,851 in federal funding for the project through the Innovative Communities Fund and the Town of Hampton provided $286,268 to complete the project. In all, ACOA has invested more than $3.3 million in six Lower River Passage infrastructure projects.
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