It took only five months to transform Custom House Square from a cracked parking lot into a small park with cement paths, plenty of trees, and lush grass.

Mayor Jon Mitchell was joined by various officials Thursday afternoon to officially open the completed park to the public.

Mitchell says he knew Custom House Square had to be something special from the beginning.

Through several grants, the $300,000 project was carved out by city workers to the specifications laid out by landscape design artist Chris Reed, a New Bedford native.

Other features of the park include ground lighting, an irrigation system, and a courtyard capable of hosting small venues.

More From WFHN-FM/FUN 107