Buffalo Harbor State Park is in the midst of soliciting an operator for the 1,037-slip Buffalo Harbor State Park Marina and ancillary services at the park. A Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued for an “experienced marina operator”. Identified in the footprint of the park is a restaurant building (Dug’s Dive), parking spaces, and several smaller buildings. It is the hope of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) to lease the land for the 2015 boating season.
Between the ECHDC’s ongoing vision creation for the Outer Harbor, and the State Park’s intent to establish a playground, additional park features, it is clear that an operator with “like” visions is required to help create a waterfront destination that is broad in nature (food, boating, events, etc), while being focused and steadfast at the same time.
“State Parks, in partnership with the ECHDC, is excited to bring on board a reliable marina operator as we continue to make improvements at Buffalo Harbor State Park. The marina is a valuable asset to the Outer Harbor and it will continue to play a central role in the growth of our newest state park,” said Rose Harvey, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
The RFP states that a successful partner would need to make some capital improvements, while keeping the land open for public use. At the same time, the costs associated with using the marina amenities should be kept reasonable for all the public to enjoy the assets.
Hopefully whoever does step to the project will be able to swing more than just Dug’s Dive. I see opportunities someone with the right knowhow to make room for food trucks, barbecues, concerts, lawn games, pop-up stands, chaise lounge chairs with servers making the rounds… maybe even Buffalo’s first “food boat”. To look at this land as simply “Dug’s Dive” with a marina is shortsighted. It will be interesting to see if there are any operators out there who see the bigger picture for this Outer Harbor waterfront parcel.
The deadline to submit a proposal is Friday, October 29, 2014
For more information or for a copy of the RFP, please contact Steve Gawlik, Senior Counsel at sgawlik@esd.ny.gov or by calling (716) 846-8257.