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The Outer Harbor playground.
The Outer Harbor playground.

Higgins previews Buffalo Harbor State Park

by jmaloni
Fri, May 22nd 2015 05:55 pm

Congressman helped negotiate transfer of waterfront property

Congressman Brian Higgins visited the new Buffalo Harbor State Park, set to open to the public this weekend.

For years, Higgins has advocated for the transfer of property from the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority to an agency more suited to oversee and improve the waterfront land. Higgins most recently worked directly with Gov. 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 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.

Higgins added, "For more than a dozen years, we have been pressing for this site to become a state park. I commend Gov. Cuomo for being the leader that made Buffalo Harbor State Park a reality."

New York, under Cuomo's leadership, committed to an initial investment of $15 million for enhancements to the Buffalo Harbor State Park. Higgins noted this state commitment brings outer harbor investments in parks, trails, infrastructure and public places to more than $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 Parks website at: www.nysparks.com/parks

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