Trustees

  • Matthew Pieniazek – Chair,
    • Term ends 1/1/25 
  • Dan Mello – Secretary,
    • Term Ends 3/31/27
  • Leslie Eckholdt
    • Term Ends 12/31/23
  • Mike Sullivan
    • Term Ends 1/1/25

Park Manager

    Edith Heyck

Contact information

The Trustees generally meet on the third Wednesday of each month, but this can change due to conflicts or holidays. Up to date information on the next meeting is available on our events calendar and is posted in Newburyport City Hall.

Helpful Links:

Newburyport Waterfront Trust

Image of Park

The Newburyport Waterfront Trust manages Waterfront Park, the vibrant 4.4 acre park in the center of Newburyport’s downtown waterfront. The Park includes six public access points from the heart of downtown to a 1100 foot boardwalk and its memorial benches along the Merrimac River, a sculpture park, and a large grass area fronting on the Merrimac which is very active with concerts, performances, yoga classes, and is a popular site for weddings.

Market Landing Park, the Boardwalk and other portions of the trust property are always available for public use. Special events that require exclusive use of any portion of the property require approval of the trustees and the submission of a Park Use Application.There is a fee associated with such use to help support the maintenance of the park that is proportional to the size and duration of the event. Approved events are indicated on our calendar. Applications should be submitted well in advance of the event and the Trust meeting that precedes the requested date.

Trust History

The 4.4 acre park are a was taken by eminent domain by the Newburyport Redevelopment Authority (NRA) as part of an urban renewal project in 1968 and was developed into a park over several years, beginning in the early 1970’s. In January 1991, the Newburyport Waterfront Trust was established to hold, manage, maintain, conserve, and utilize the land for the use and enjoyment of the citizens of Newburyport, Newbury, and West Newbury in perpetuity, allowing the public free access forever.

The Trust is administered by five Trustees appointed by the Mayor of Newburyport with the approval of the City Council. Trustees can serve a maximum of two, five-year terms. Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees have absolute control of the Trust property subject to certain restrictions, including the duty to keep the public ways and Boardwalk “open” for the benefit of the general public. The City of Newburyport is responsible for funding the maintenance of the Trust property. Using income generated from leases, rentals, use permits, and donor gifts, the Trust has assumed primary responsibility for park maintenance and contracts this work to a commercial landscape company. The City’s Department of Public Services provides valuable supplemental services for the Trust properties, including trash removal, tree work, and snow plowing.

The Trust employs a part-time Park Manager to coordinate the maintenance activities and provide liaison between the Trustees, park users, the Department of Public Services, the landscaping contractor, and various volunteer groups who help from time to time.