What do you envision?
This COULD be an important juncture for Delaware Park's Marcy Casino. As of October the one-year month-to-month extension given to Exquisite Catering will revert to the Olmsted Park Conservancy. That means that there is another window for The Conservancy to come up with a plan that would include the general public regarding future Casino activities. At this point the month-to-month catering agreement could be extended, or a Request for Proposal (RFP) for one or more caterers could be issued, or a new tenant could be sought - one that could transform the Casino into a fully functioning facility that would be accessible to the public.
I've seen old photos of hundreds of people gathered around the lake partaking in recreational activities. I stopped into the cafe that was open last summer (and unfortunately not this summer), I've attended wedding ceremonies there, and parties... but all too infrequently. This is a great opportunity that we have to see this area of the park thrive again. All it needs is a good... a great idea.
The Olmsted Parks Conservancy has said that are willing to listen to suggestions. And at some point they will issue an RFP. What do we as a community feel would be the best of all worlds when it comes to Delaware Park's Marcy Casino? Is the public interested in seeing it opened back up to daily and nightly activities? Who would be a good operator? What sort of creative use do you envision for this building and Hoyt Lake?
What Others Have To Say
What Do You Think?
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Comment Options
STEEL
It should have a high quality restaurant
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BuffaloSoldier
Certainly a small cafe/juice bar/snack stand would be nice to serve refreshments to the many park go-ers at Delaware Park. Similiar to what recently closed.
Has anyone thought of an Olmsted museum? Even just a small one to explain the history of Delaware Park, et al. Nothing too fancy or involved.
Continue use of at least part of the casino for receptions and banquets. It is a high demanded location. What change what isn't broke?
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Spaulding97
Steel is dead on, a nice restaurant would be great.
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RonR
Right on Steel. A signature restaurant! A Tavern on the Green for Buffalo.
Something where the prices are enough for locals to handle but enough to make it a special event. Something that would tie in with the ABK.
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ElmwoodBoy
Bathrooms should be open for Shakespeare in the Park - the johnny on the spot corral at the top of Shakespeare Hill was disgusting this summer.
The bottom floor should be renovated to its original purpose - a boathouse for the Gala Waters of Hoyt Lake.
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chris69
I have to agree with those who say there should be a restaurant there...big windows over-looking the lake, outdoor terrace for outdoor dining in the summer, even cocktails on the lake with a theme (formal cocktails, singles, book clubs, neighborhood meet and greets, etc) as well as reserved banquets.
As a matter of fact a restaurant at South Park, Cazenovia, Humboldt, Front/LaSalle, Riverside might just provide the revenue for all the Olmstead conservancy plans.
By the way...when are they going to dig up the quarry....do I have to bring a shovel and start it myself?
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UrbanMatt2000
I like the idea of a restaurant there, but I don't think I'd want to risk something brand new opening up-- too risky. I wonder if an established place would want to move there. Or what if it could become a space at which restaurants could be featured. An Olmsted committee could select local establishments to use this great (to-be-remodeled) venue. Instead of Thursdays at the Square it could be Homecookin at Hoyt or Dining in Delaware. I know it's a long shot, but wouldn't a lot of places like that kind of attention? And it fits the festive nature of the city. If it was just once a week, they could still have the location available for parties, etc.
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Hoss
Boathouse with Ice Skate rentals in the winter on the lower deck. A nice cafe on the upper. Hot food, and booze as well as sandwiches, cocoa, and take out stuff. Like a Globe Cafe with beer and wine. That's what I see. They really need to get the Ice Skate action back in gear at this spot.
If a fancy joint were to open, that's OK too I guess (not as democratic though) just don't let any encroachment occur onto the promenade. Way too many people utilize the space as it is. Be it for a stroll, or a moment of self reflection, it needs to be open and calming. Not full of chattering tables.
Either way, you could still rent it out for weekend weddings. To have that place sit idle most of the week is a shame.
I'd also like to see a public restroom and a water fountain. Seeing little munchkins from the playground gag at the porta-potty then wind up evacuating on a nearby tree is pretty sad. Especially when it's the solid variety.
Off subject kinda, but does anyone know if the Master plan calls for the silly golf course to be made back into a meadow so that all the people can enjoy it. I can fully envision families picnicking, kites flying, sunbathers, frisbee fanatics, p/u soccer games, etc.... Maybe even the occasional giant "Central Park" style concert (which could be a great annual money raiser). It could be a beautiful thing.
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funwow01
For starters, you could refer to the Casino by it's name... the Marcy Casino. You don't seem to have a problem refering to "Hoyt Lake".
The casino was renamed and dedicated in the honor of the late Delaware district councilman Bill Marcy. The honorable Mr. Marcy worked tirelessly to improve this city, including, but not limited to, the restoration of the Gates Circle fountain and the restoration of the casino and rose garden, right up until he died while in office. And he didn't even have a "blog". His widow, who served out his term after his death, weeps every time she reads "Delaware park casino".
I know, pepole aren't familiar the name Marcy Casino. That's because peole in the "media" continually dishonour his memory by refering to it as the Delaware Park casino. Please right this wrong.
An apology is in order.
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chris69
Sorry but I have to be equal opportunity here...
I dont support naming anything after anybody.....for free...and even then I dont think anybody uses it or refers to it.
You want the casino named after someone...sell the naming rights for $100,000 for 10 years to relieve the taxpayer from their overtaxes and pay for olmstead park restoration and maintenance.
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RonR
Have to agree with Chris. I have no idea of who Bill Marcy is and correct me if I am wrong but wouldn't the restoration of Gates Circle be one of the responsibilities of the council member from the Delaware district? Sorry but calling it like I see it.
So here is to a nice place at the Delaware Casino. :)
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Auburner
William (Bill) Marcy was a good and a very nice man! I am sorry his family feels sad about his legacy.
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Auburner
But wouldnt that be something, skating on the lake, sailing lessons and maybe some day swimming with lifeguards... Yes, I can see the bottom used for both and the top used as a great restaurant on the inside and a super place for coffee, drinks, aps, etc on the porch overlooking the lake... Maybe we could call it "Bill's", after Marcy and Hoyt?
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funwow01
TY Queenseyes...
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UnionAMG
It would be nice to get some recreational use out of Hoyt Lake... I remember when JP Losman first came here they ran an article in the paper about him liking the city, and while looking at Hoyt Lake he said, "I can't wait to take a canoe out there." Little did he know that you can't!
I'd love to see ice skating in the winter and canoeing/kayaking available (even if it is limited number of things for rent during the day to relieve concerns of unsupervised boating and crowding with too many out there).
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eyepharded
A beer garden. Not a cheesy one, something authentic like the one in the Englisher Garten in Munchen, Germeny. I'm guessing open container laws would come into play. Hopefully there would be a way to work around that though. As long as it was kept classy and didn't become a pile of drunks everyday then it would be awsome.
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DumpsterKid
I worked at the Snack bar at a few years ago before it was flooded, i really would love it if it opened back up. A Nice restaurant would be amazing. There was a picture hanging in the snack bar of the casino and hoyt lake in 1922 absolutely packed, Think Central Park
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