Bridgeport officials announced Sunday a $1 million federal grant to create park space along the riverfront.

Mayor Joe Ganim said the city will be putting out bids soon to turn a three-acre lot along Stratford Avenue into a public park that would feature everything, from a shaded pavilion to a fishing pier.

It's all part of a project called "Sliver on the River."

"One million dollars goes a long way. What you see behind us will be transformed into park space -- everything from kayaking to children's activities will be right here on 'Sliver on the River,'" Ganim said.

"It is truly a potentially historic step, a force multiplier. This $1 million is more than just a number -- it's dollars in future investment in Bridgeport," added Sen. Richard Blumenthal.

Officials say a partnership between the City of Bridgeport and The Trust for Public Land planned the project, along the National Park Service's federal funding and technical support.