ITHACA – A new breath of fresh air and liveliness filled downtown Ithaca this weekend, as people celebrated the completion of the Commons reconstruction project.

The festivities kicked off on Friday with a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony. Mayor Svante Myrick said as he welcome the crowd that more people are walking downtown than ever before.

People of all ages are spending time at the pedestrian mall, like 4-year-old Cameron Tilton who was playing on the brand new playground.

“I really like how the side is really fast, and I really like the silver,” Cameron Tilton said.

Cara Tilton, Cameron’s mom, says this space is great for her daughter and her friends.

“It just looks fantastic. It’s nice to have everything cleared up and open again,” Cara Tilton said.

Cara Tilton says she and her daughter are planning on spending more time at the new Commons.

Officials involved with the project say they’re excited to see residents reclaim the space as their own.