Prospect Street entrance area completes multi-year restoration of park
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced work will begin today to reconstruct the Prospect Street frontage of Niagara Falls State Park. This project will complete the work that began in 2011 to revitalize the nation's oldest state park.
When complete, the project will result in a more seamless connection between the park and the City of Niagara Falls, which will help visitors better orient with the offerings both inside and outside of the park. Additionally, pedestrian and vehicular safety will be addressed through the redesign of the motor coach arrival area, and the patron experience will be enhanced through general landscaping changes, clearer signage, uniform park furnishings and improved pedestrian circulation.
"The improvements here at Niagara Falls State Park that have been completed since 2011 reflect Gov. Cuomo's commitment to revitalizing the state park system and expanding access to outdoor recreation. We are grateful to the governor for his recognition of the need to put the sparkle back on the crown jewel of our state parks system," said Western District Director Mark Thomas.
The governor's NY Parks 2020 program is a multi-year commitment to leverage $900 million in private and public funding for state parks from 2011-20. To date, more than $70 million has been committed to Niagara Falls State Park.
Because of the nature of the project, there will be disruption to pedestrian access, so detours will be clearly marked. It is also anticipated traffic may also be detoured for brief periods during phases of the project. State Parks will work with affected stakeholders as details develop.
The contractor for the $4.6 million project is Scott Lawn Yard from Sanborn. Work is expected to be substantially complete by the end of 2018.
