Work is underway to construct a new observation boardwalk at the furthest point of the Erie Basin Marina. It can’t believe that it was way back in 2007 when I got together with The City to discuss the possibility to have a small beach cleared (see back story). It was at that same time that The City first announced that a boardwalk would be built to play off of Emerald Beach. For a while I wasn’t sure if that observation boardwalk would ever see the light of day. I was just yesterday that, while visiting the marina, I noticed construction work being done at the rocky point.
What we are seeing here is the formation of a new standing, seating and general viewing area – I found one of the original outdated construction drawings that shows where the location is in proximity to the beach. Apparently the configuration of the design has changed, so I don’t have an updated rendering to show. The boardwalk has been fabricated off-site and is being installed this week. “The Erie Basin Marina is one of Buffalo’s favorite summer-time destinations and continues to grow in popularity,” said Mayor Brown. “With a number of new city-funded improvements, including a $400,000 boardwalk, new security gates for boaters, and new handicap accessible restrooms, we expect the Erie Basin Marina’s popularity as a destination to soar even higher.”
Once the observation boardwalk is complete, it would be nice to see a couple more amenities squared away. How ’bout a concession stand selling food at the Outlook Tower? Also, while having limited beach access is nice, it would also be a good move to allow kayakers to launch from the site (they are not allowed to at this point). Or at least put a kayak launch at nearby LaSalle Park (see why). As the popularity of the beach and the boardwalk grow, it would good to see the Army Corps of Engineers take a look at extending the beach, which I believe is possible. Consider adding some natural seating areas among the rocks too. Maybe some day, after the boardwalk is complete, The City might also consider extending a boardwalk all the way down to The Hatch. Now that would be something to see!