It was back in April of 2010 when we first saw the shape of a quonset hut rise up along the Buffalo River (see post). Since that time, the Buffalo Scholastic Rowing Association (BSRA) has made excellent use of the river's waters, with rowers experiencing some unbelievable sights awhile rowing what is still an operational industrial waterway.
While the quonset hut was certainly a big deal since it allowed rowers to launch from a semi-permanent staging area, the really big news is just around the bend. This Tuesday there is a scheduled groundbreaking ceremony at 301 Ohio Street that will mark the BSRA's capital campaign kickoff to complete the Patrick Paladino Memorial Boathouse. Peg Overdorf, Executive Director of the Valley Community Center said, "It's great to have new neighbors on the river for recreational purposes, it's a perfect fit with our two new Parks - Riverfest and Mutuals/Ice Boom Park. I love seeing our local high schools rowing, seeing the shells line the river is reminiscent of the time of the Buffalo Mutuals Club in the early 1900s."
The permanent structure will add to the growing interest in water-related recreational activities along the Buffalo River. In the past few years we have seen all sorts of watercraft navigating the waters, while a renewed interest in properties bounding the river has inspired more people to make their way to the water's edge. The Patrick Paladino Memorial Boathouse will be in close proximity to the Inner and Outer Harbors, as well as Riverfest Park and Mutual Riverfront Park.
Looks wonderful! Can't wait to see how the kids and shells can better interact with the water edge.