Today's popular Union Point Park Complex grew from the vision of 1977 city and private individuals who founded the New Bern Central Business District Revitalization Plan. That group initiated the Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation in 1979. Under the umbrella of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Swiss Bear joined the Main Street Program with such dedication as to become one of their grand success stories. Over the last 28 years, under the co-ordinating Swiss Bear body, the original three acre Union Point Park was expanded by the donation of an abandoned 3-acre Texaco Corporation fuel station property and improved with funds from Swiss Bear campaigns and Mum Fest proceeds to become the showplace it is today. Family picnics, free summer concerts, outdoor pickup sports, kite flying, waterfront walking and boat launching are part of the daily use of Union Point Park.
Bounded by the joining Trent and Neuse rivers, the park offers paved walks along the riverbanks, benches for watching river traffic, racing events and marine parades. A large gazebo may be used for weddings, festivals and special events; a fishing pier, playground equipment and public restrooms are well kept for public use. Park-goers who want to enjoy a walk downtown can use the walkway under the Trent River Bridge to avoid vehicular traffic on E. Front Street.
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