The new Buffalo Harbor State Park is set to open to the public this weekend. For years Congressman Brian Higgins has advocated for the transfer of property from the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) to an agency more suited to oversee and improve the waterfront land. Higgins most recently worked directly with Governor Andrew Cuomo on plans for New York to assume control and open a new state park at the site.
“Seven years ago people couldn’t find the outer harbor,” said Congressman Higgins, who led the outer harbor project at Gallagher Beach in 2002. “Through the creation of parks and interconnected public places people are rediscovering Buffalo’s outer harbor which is increasingly becoming a premier destination point for people looking to enjoy the natural experience along Lake Erie.”
The new and only New York State Park in the City of Buffalo is located adjacent to the Small Boat Harbor and Gallagher Beach. The area features picnic pavilions, a nautical themed playground, new landscape, seating and greenspace. Work on a new shade structure and fishing station along the break wall will begin this year.
New York State committed to an initial investment of $15 million for enhancements to the Buffalo Harbor State Park. Higgins noted that this state commitment brings today outer harbor investments in parks, trails, infrastructure, and public places to over $121 million.
The site is scheduled for a soft public opening this weekend with a grand opening planned in the weeks ahead. More information on the Buffalo Harbor State Park event schedule is available through the State Park website at: www.nysparks.com/parks.