A groundbreaking ceremony was held Friday morning at Besse Park, officially kicking off a project that will repair the park's bulkhead, or sea wall, enhance access to the Wareham River, and provide protection from coastal storm damage.

The town received $575,000 for the project from the state Seaport Advisory Council, which provides funding to coastal communities for the development of ports and harbors. About $145,000 of local funds will be used, said Town Administrator Mark Andrews, thanking the Seaport Advisory Council for its contribution to the repairs.

"We're investing in improving the quality of life" and improving tourism in Wareham, said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, chair of the Seaport Advisory Council.

The current, deteriorated, bulkhead will be replaced, and the upgrades will provide direct access to the water from Wareham Village and the westerly fishing pier. Parking for Besse Park visitors will also be added.

State Representative Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) said that while the problems with the bulkhead have been known for awhile, the challenge was finding the necessary funding for improvements. She gave credit to her husband, Municipal Maintenance Director Mark Gifford, for helping to secure the grant.

"I think that the vision for the future is to see a parade of boats here," increasing traffic to area businesses, said Selectman Steve Holmes.

Work will begin in September.