Waterloo to open, but with no fanfare

Remember that Waterloo Park grand reopening festival we told you about a few days ago? Well, it’s been postponed, due to the alarming climb in Covid cases and hospitalizations driven by the Delta variant. A news release from Waterloo Greenway explains that the organization “has made the difficult but necessary decision to postpone all opening-day celebrations scheduled for this Saturday. This includes postponement of the ribbon-cutting ceremony and land dedication, daytime programming and nighttime concert showcase.” All is not lost, however; the newly reimagined downtown park will still open to the public on Saturday, Aug. 14 at 10 a.m., though Waterloo Greenway urges all visitors to wear face masks and practice social distancing while enjoying the park. “The opening of this park comes at a critical time for the community, and access to outdoor space has never been more important for physical, mental and emotional health.” The planned CommUNITY Day festivities will be rescheduled at a date to be announced.