By J.B. Fitzsimmons | Gloucester Correspondent
GLOUCESTER — In a bold new twist on economic development, Mayor Greg Verga has unveiled plans for Vergaland, a “modestly-sized theme park” proposed for the city-owned I4-C2 parcel along the waterfront.
Standing in front of a large rendering that included spinning teacups, a Ferris wheel, and a dedicated Waterworld stunt lagoon, Verga insisted the name was “absolutely not” in reference to himself, but rather a tribute to his late father, former State Rep. Tony Verga. “It’s about honoring tradition,” he said, “with carousels and funnel cake.”
The theme park — featuring rides mounted on pontoons so it can “gently bob on the tides in a coastal resilience-forward manner” — is the centerpiece of Verga’s economic development plan for his next term if re-elected.
“We’ve done the studies, and while the site is technically within the Designated Port Area, I think a live-action Waterworld show is about as water-dependent as you can get,” Verga said, adding that the city was in “unofficial” preliminary talks with Kevin Costner’s team to secure the actor’s recurring appearance at the park.
Asked about environmental concerns or prior redevelopment proposals, the mayor gestured to a 3D model of a roller coaster shaped like a haddock. “People want action. This is action. This is Gloucester rising.”
Attempts to reach mayoral challenger and former city council president Paul Lundberg for comment were unsuccessful; campaign aides said he was out shopping for “debate-ready sweater vests.” City councilors offered no direct comment, though at-large Councilor Jeff Worthley posted a 53,000-word essay to Facebook on the proposal, outlining the history of maritime-themed amusement zoning since 1642 and ending with a firm “we’ll see.”
Reactions among residents were mixed.
“This is the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard and I absolutely love it,” said lifelong Gloucester resident Grace Evans-Smith, 71. “As long as there’s fried dough. But it has to be real fried dough; none of that funnel cake garbage.”
Lobsterman Pietro Catanzaro, whose boat is moored at the site, was skeptical. “I dunno, I4-C2’s always been good for parking my truck and storing my traps. Now it’s gonna be full of screaming kids and teacups?”
Verga said that final approval could come in “about 18 to 36 months, depending on tides, permitting, and the emotional state of the Planning Board.” He concluded his remarks while waving a foam sword from the proposed Waterworld Live! show and assuring the crowd: “Gloucester doesn’t need to choose between industry and tourism. We can have both. On pontoons.”
No word on plans for parking.
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