Hannibal’s revamped Riverfront Park is now open

by Jim Dewey

HANNIBAL – City officials officially opened Hannibal’s newest park with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday morning, although there is still some work left to be done.

The park features plenty of walking area, green space and several benches for sitting and watching the Mississippi River. It also includes a new marina which is already full of boats. 

Hannibal Director of City Services Andy Dorian said the project began in earnest in 2016 when the riverfront was having infrastructure problems. Dorian said there were two options in addressing those issues: The city could do them piecemeal or they could do one large project and do it right. After several public meetings and a redesign after the marina was left out of the original plan,Hannibal broke ground on the $6.8 million project in 2018. 

The project suffered several delays, including being shut down completely for several months during the second biggest flood in Hannibal’s history in 2019. Dorian said the Riverfront was designed with flooding in mind and there are no permanent structures that can be washed away.

Another highlight of the new riverfront is the docking area which will allow two large riverboats to visit Hannibal at the same time while also allowing docking space for Canton Marine Towing and the Mark Twain Riverboat.

Work remains at the marina where fuel and electricity are yet to be available and security cameras will soon be installed. Dorian said an announcement will be made by the Rotary Club at the next City Council meeting regarding a pavilion/gazebo which will be located at the north end of the park and the Parks and Recreation Department is working on a portable stage that can be used on the riverfront and at other locations in Hannibal.