Buffalo, NY Governor Andrew Cuomo revealed the start of construction work on the small boat harbor breakwall and southern revetment, which is the next phase of the multi-million dollar transformation of Buffalo Harbor State Park. The $3.76 million breakwall and revetment redesign is phase two of the $15 million in improvements provided through the governor‘s Buffalo Billion and NY Parks 2020 initiatives to completely reinvigorate the Buffalo Harbor waterfront. The project is part of New York’s recently released plans for redeveloping the city’s Outer Harbor neighborhood, master-planned and designed by global architecture and design firm, Perkins+Will. “This is an important milestone in Buffalo’s revitalization, one that will expand outdoor access to the waterfront and bring recreational and investment opportunities to the region,” said Cuomo. “I am proud of the continued progress of this project, one of many examples of a city on the move.” The rehabilitated breakwall will be stabilized and include paved walking and bike paths, shaded seating areas, the introduction of a fishing platform and lighting. The southern revetment will also be rehabilitated and like the breakwall, will be stabilized and feature increased fishing access. The southern revetment is expected to be complete by summer 2016, and the breakwall by fall 2016. Considering the magnitude of the full project, which will transform the underutilized, 350-acre strip of constructed land between Lake Erie and the city’s ship canal, Perkins+Will has ensured that community involvement would be central to the design process. Six community workshops were held during the course of the project, according to Dennis Dornan, AIA, LEED AP, the firm’s Urban Design studio director. State Parks commissioner Rose Harvey said, “Parks and green spaces have a tremendous, unparalleled power to enhance communities, and I thank governor Cuomo for championing this new park for the wonderful city of Buffalo and for all the exciting changes yet to come.” This year more than 107,000 people visited the state’s newest 190-acre park and enjoyed $3 million in improvements already completed. These new features include two open-air picnic pavilions that can host 100 people in each pavilion, a nautically themed destination playground revered by the community, new park furnishings including shaded seating, lighting, improved fish cleaning station, landscaping, walkways and utility upgrades. Congressman Brian Higgins said: “Last year’s opening of the first State park in the City of Buffalo created a great new waterfront destination for Western New York families. We were pleased to work closely with Governor Cuomo who understood the value and long-term vision of transferring this property into the capable hands of New York State Parks. This significant investment by the State provides a huge boost to the momentum building on Buffalo’s Outer Harbor and will give the public fantastic new opportunities to experience Buffalo’s waterfront.” Senator Tim Kennedy said: “Buffalo’s waterfront continues to get better and better. The word is getting out about Buffalo’s greatest natural resource, and New York State is doing its part to responsibly guide the Outer Harbor’s revitalization. From bike paths, to increased fishing, to improved lighting, this next phase in the transformation of Buffalo Harbor State Park is going to make a huge difference. I thank Governor Cuomo for his continued dedication to Western New York, and I thank New York State Parks for their excellent stewardship of this regional gem.” Senator Marc Panepinto said, “Buffalo’s greatest natural asset continues to experience a transformation like never before. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Governor Cuomo, families will be able to enjoy recreational activities along our waterfront year-round. I encourage all residents to get out and experience the results of those efforts and all those still yet to come.” Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “I would like to congratulate Gov. Cuomo and WNY State Parks Dept. on enhancing the recreational capabilities and park access for Western New Yorkers. We love our waterfront and we love our green space, these improvements will help promote exercise and healthy living while increasing park utilization.” Assemblyman Sean Ryan said, “Public access to the water is my top priority for waterfront development. This project helps to achieve that goal, and will greatly expand the public’s ability to enjoy Buffalo’s magnificent waterfront. I thank Governor Cuomo for moving forward with this important investment. A revitalized Outer Harbor, focused on public access, will be a catalyst for growth in the new Buffalo. With the Queen City Bike Ferry now connecting Canalside to the Outer Harbor, investing in public amenities at the Buffalo Harbor State Park is a smart strategy, and I look forward to seeing the completed project next year.” Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York State is making a historic commitment to improving and expanding access to outdoor recreation. The Governor’s NY Parks 2020 plan is a multi-year commitment to leverage $900 million in private and public funding for State Parks from 2011 to 2020. The Governor’s 2015-16 Executive Budget allocates $110 million toward this initiative. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 62 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $1.9 billion in economic activity annually and supports 20,000 jobs.   Tags: