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The first segment of the new South Waterfront Greenway park and riverfront path is now open to the public.

Portland Parks & Recreation workers on Thursday removed the fences blocking public access to the greenway. An official grand opening for the park and trail along the Willamette River in Portland’s South Waterfront District is scheduled for June 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Major construction of the $15.5 million project wrapped up last fall, but fences remained up around the new park to allow the grass to mature. Work on the former industrial site involved removal of more than 32,000 tons of contaminated soil and debris left over from sawmills, ship building, a concrete plant and various dump sites. The restored riverbank was also made more hospitable for salmon and other wildlife.

The 1,250-foot-long riverfront trail and park with benches, lawns and public art will be the middle segment of the planned 1.2-mile South Waterfront Greenway. The Portland City Council in 2004 approved a concept plan for the park and riverbank restoration project to eventually extend from the River Forum Building on Southwest Macadam Avenue to the Marquam Bridge. When complete, the path will serve as a bicyclist and pedestrian connection between downtown Portland and the Sellwood Bridge.

Planning is under way for the north and south segments of the trail.