GARDINER -- Genesta Cartonio took a break from mowing the lawn with her grandson Tuesday to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for the city's waterfront project.

"It's going to be nice," Cartonio said of the improvements. "I've kind of missed the park being open this summer because of all the construction. A lot of people use this park. They come down and have coffee."

Improvements in the years-long, $1.7 million initiative include a 750-foot wooden boardwalk along the Kennebec River, a natural skating rink built into the expanded green space, new parking areas and lighting, and a sculpture by local artist Robert Lash.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, told a crowd of approximately 100 people the project is a crowning achievement in the city's downtown revitalization initiatives.

"Your downtown historic district now has a gateway," Collins said Tuesday. "It is a gateway for travelers looking for the natural beauty and history of this region. It is a gateway for businesses looking for an attractive location, a welcoming business climate and an outstanding work force. And it is a gateway for people of this community to reconnect with the river and each other."

City officials decided to go ahead with the ribbon-cutting Tuesday despite questions about whether a big piece of the project -- a visitor center -- will be built.

The center, which would cover an existing sewage pump station and offer public restrooms, is in question because of a change in management at Savings Bank of Maine -- the project's major donor.

After the ceremony, Gardiner Mayor Andrew MacLean said bank representatives recently told city officials "they would give serious consideration" to a formal grant request to complete the visitors' center.

He said Jason Simcock, director of economic and community development, will develop a funding plan for that aspect of the project this winter in hopes of being able to complete it next season.

And the mayor took special care to recognize the bank in his public comments.

"I would like to give special recognition and thanks to the Savings Bank of Maine for its investment of $1 million in this project," he said. "I appreciate having John Everets, the chairman & CEO of the Savings Bank of Maine, join me here at the podium. I also appreciate the strong turnout of bank employees at today's event."

Everets said his bank's contribution is just a small part of the effort.

He said the bank, formerly known as Gardiner Savings Bank, has been in existence for 176 years and will continue to invest in the community.

"This was an extraordinary opportunity to explore that and make (the community) just a little bit better for everybody," Everets said.

Collins said the project demonstrates the secret of Gardiner's success -- working together. City officials, business leaders, the Land for Maine's Future Program and the Gardiner Rotary Club have shown remarkable vision and commitment, she said.

"I was pleased to join this effort in 2008 by helping to secure $147,000 in federal funding," she said. "This investment in smart, sustainable economic development will pay dividends for years to come."

Mechele Cooper -- 623-3811, ext. 408 -- mcooper@centralmaine.com