Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Meeting Purpose
The purpose of this meeting is to provide an opportunity for interested individuals to become acquainted with the project and express comments, concerns and recommendations to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (owner). The meeting is in "Open House" format. Feel free toreview the exhibits provided and to ask questions of the staff.

Project Description
The proposed project is a multi-use, multi-season trail on Grand Island, New York overlooking the west channel of the Niagara River. The trail will be approximately eight miles in length and connect Beaver Island State Park to Buckhorn Island State Park and will include consideration for future connections to the Town of Grand Island Nike Base Park. The trail will link together overlooks, access points and parking areas at the water's edge, providing a unique opportunity to experience the Niagara River.

Proposed enhancements along the trail include way-finding signage, parking area improvements, bike racks, benches and other features designed to promote the usage of the trail by all residents and visitors to the area. The trail will be designed to meet Americans with Disabilities (ADA) requirements.

The existing project area consists predominantly of lawn/meadow areas along the parkway with mostly native vegetation (brush and trees) along the Niagara River banks. It is the intent of this project to construct the trail within the previously cleared lawn areas and away from the more sensitive wetlands, woodlands and riparian habitat along the river banks. The attached concept plan depicts the general scope & location of the proposed project with the trail shown in red.

Benefits of the Project

• Closes a critical gap in the Niagara River Greenway Trail that will connect Buffalo to Niagara Falls and beyond.
• Promotes opportunities for fitness as well as tourism.
• Enhances public access along an underutilized segment of the Niagara River shoreline.
• Provides safe and scenic off-road trail alternative that will promote family friendly recreation.
• Links neighborhoods to the Niagara River.
• Encourage the use of non-motorized modes of transportation contributing to improving area congestion and air quality.

Project Schedule & Budget 

• Construction to begin fall of 2016/spring of 2017.
• Construction budget is $1.875 million.
• Project is funding through a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Grant from the Federal Highway Administration(FHWA)/NYSDOT.