The Black Rock Canal Park Steering Committee will reveal their award winning plans this Friday for their proposed development of the park. Recognized by Buffalo Niagara RiverKeepers and the American Planning Association as a prime example of a grassroots initiative that encompasses city, county and state entities, the BRCP group is pleased to announce that the Erie County Fiscal Stability Authority has retained the services of the Peter J. Smith Company to conduct a feasibility study--a huge step forward to making the park a reality.
Plans for the park (site just north of Harry's Harbour) are as follows:
The outer wall of the launch ramp would be reconfigured to include a pier that extends out into the river and parallel to the shore for about 150 feet. The boardwalk would hold docks for lease to charter boats. Vessels for hire engaged in fishing, diving or sightseeing would dock and take advantage of the easy access to the upper Niagara River. A fish cleaning station is to be included on the boardwalk for use by the public and the charter fishing boat fleet. The leases for the docks would help defray the operating costs of this facility.
Additionally, the proposal replaces the existing concession stand with a four-story structure containing year round concessions, public restrooms, shower facilities, meeting room and a visitor's center open to the public while also establishing an affordable and accessible facility that is accessible by pedestrians, bicycles, cars and boats. The second floor and third floors will house park staff and law enforcement offices. The fourth floor is slated for a mechanical and server room and will also house an observation deck. Floating docks included in this plan would serve as mooring facilities for patrol craft and improve visibility for these agencies. The facility will also use wind, solar and turbine energy. LED lighting will be used to save power and a comprehensive recycling program is in the plans along with the concessions to use composting principles for the surrounding green space.
The
proposed plan also includes decking over top of the creek channel to allow for
additional vehicle parking while accommodating additional users involved in
fishing tournaments or other events. The
southern park area would have permanent shelters available for reservation and
rental for picnics or social events.
A playground would be installed along with, benches, restrooms and
improved lighting. The park would be a year round experience with fire pits,
patio heater, an ice skating rink, ice fishing and many more winter
activities. There is more to be announced in the full plan and proposal this Friday.
Friday, May
15th
5:30 PM
This is where I grew up and I spent so much time here as a kid. The immediate area has always had a barren appearance with only a few trees (that were usually vandalized) and new asphalt installed every generation. In spite of all the lacking qualities, the great location continues to bring a lot of people to this section of the waterfront. If the improvements mentioned in the article are to actually take place, it would be a major boost for the Riverside/Black Rock neighborhoods. It's about time. I look forward to seeing more detailed plans.
The intersection of Niagara and Ontario Streets continues to look derelict. I hope that a more inviting entrance to new waterfront amenities is planned, too.