It was back in 2008 when a storm blew across the city’s waterfront, whipping up the waves and manhandling sections of the Times Beach boardwalk (see post). It was an unfortunate turn of events that left some people wondering if and when repairs would commence. It looks as if that time has finally come. If the weather cooperates tomorrow, The County plans on initiating the effort, while aiming for a completion date sometime this spring.
The effort coincides with a volunteer cleanup at the site being led by Buffalo State College students under the supervision of The County. “I am grateful to the students at Buffalo State College who are helping us with the cleanup at Times Beach this weekend,” said Environment and Planning Commissioner Kathy Konst. “I know many Western New Yorkers have anxiously awaited the repairs to the boardwalk at the site, and I am happy we are able to move this project forward.”
While the damaged section of the Times Beach boardwalk may look extensive, the majority of the walkways were not disrupted (see below). Between Tifft Nature Preserve and Times Beach, there are boundless boardwalks, trails and paths that wind in and out of wooded landscapes and marshes. The section seen in the lead image is located at the furthest end of the boardwalk system, extending out toward Lake Erie. It will be nice to see this ancillary section back in operation, as Tifft Nature Preserve is one of our waterfront’s greatest features.
If you’re not familiar with Tifft and Times Beach, the following links should prove helpful: