It has been confirmed that the newly formed Buffalo Scholastic Rowing Association will be constructing a boathouse on Ohio Street, over the Buffalo River. In what appears to be an amicable split from the West Side Rowing Club, schools such as the Buffalo Seminary have made deals to row with the new club, which hopes to be up and running for a 2010 summer program and the coming scholastic season.
The boathouse, which will be named in memory of Patrick Paladino, late son of developer Carl Paladino, has been in the works for over a year. Currently, it exists in the form of a cleared lot and a temporary Quonset hut, which was built last week. Directors, led by Seymour Knox IV, indicate that the club currently has docks ready to be installed, and rowing shells and motorboats standing by, but is waiting on funding to put up a more permanent structure. In the meantime, they are offering space to tenants, and anyone looking to stash a boat.
At the turn of the century, Buffalo’s waterfronts boasted rowing clubs in the double digits, but since then options have diminished, with West Side Rowing predominating the scene. Those involved with Buffalo Scholastic hope that another facility will expand Buffalo’s potential to accommodate the resurgent sport, and provide fresh opportunities and resources for student athletes. With the ultimate goal to “improve rowers’ lives one stroke at a time,” the organization promises to get active in the local community, and to provide alternative programs to meet the diverse interests of the greater public. Keep an eye out for a coming website, and news of coming events.
*If you’re not familiar with this area, here’s an overview.