Like many American cities, the city of Wheeling was long disconnected from its river by a layer of flood protection infrastructure. Sasaki worked with the Wheeling National Heritage Area Corporation to regenerate the city's connection to the river, leveraging improvements to the flood protection system into a waterside public realm of park spaces, trails, and river access. Opened in 2002, Heritage Port is a waterfront park that reconnects Wheeling with the Ohio River. Wheeling Heritage realized the potential for waterfront development and spearheaded this project. Wheeling Heritage leveraged funding through a National Park Service grant. The total cost of the park was $4 million.

Previously the home of the Wharf Garage, which blocked riverfront views, the park now consists of an amphitheater, an entry plaza, and a river-edge walkway with mooring facilities. The design presents a simple stepped amphitheater integrated with pathways that connect the downtown with the water’s edge.

The linear, three-acre park celebrates and interprets Wheeling’s natural, cultural and historical legacy. It also provides public outdoor space to attract residents and tourists.

The park is the site of the annual Italian Festival, the city’s annual Fourth of July fireworks, and weekly concerts/movies, among many other events.  Please contact Josh Blakemore, City Event Coordinator, by phone 304-280-3709 or email josh.blakemore@wheelingwv.gov for more information or to schedule an event.