Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

June 09, 2008

Press Contact:
Angela Berti
716.278.1764

Renovation, Upgrade Plans In Store at Artpark

State park system's $132 million initiative moving ahead; design work for theater improvements and amphitheatre rehabilitation included

Design work for the rehabilitation of the amphitheater and renovations to the main stage theatre at the Earl W. Brydges Artpark are among the projects included in a $132 million plan to jumpstart the revitalization of New York State parks and historic sites. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash, Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte, Artpark board chairman Christopher H. Brown and Artpark & Company president George Osborne announced the plans at a news conference at the park on Monday. The improvements will help ensure that Artpark continues to be a popular summertime cultural venue in Western New York.

"Artpark is truly a gem in Western New York. With natural beauty and amazing views, so many people enjoy coming here to enjoy the tremendous concerts and performances Artpark provides," Ash. "The opportunity we have to restore not only the theatre and amphitheatre but the gorge trails and river access routes will continue to bring life to Artpark and make it an even more popular destination for nature lovers and lovers of the arts."

In April, Governor Paterson and the Legislature approved a state budget that advances a $132 million capital improvement spending plan for New York's 178 state parks and 35 historic sites - making the single largest capital investment in the history of the state park system. The infusion will enable the state to begin addressing the extensive capital needs of the parks system - needs that have been estimated at approximately $650 million.

"These much needed renovations will ensure that Artpark remains a cultural destination for years to come. In addition to being a great place for local families to visit and relax, Artpark helps to improve the local economy by attracting people from all over Western New York and Canada. I will continue to do everything that I can to support this important attraction," said Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte (D-Lewiston).

Senator George Maziarz (R-C, Newfane) said, "The amazing musical productions, plays, and concerts at Artpark are part of the fabric of our community, and new capital improvements will only enhance the overall visitor experience. Investing in Artpark is investing our quality of life, and that's something that deserves our full support."

More than $15 million in construction and design work is earmarked for parks and historic sites in Niagara and Erie Counties under the new statewide revitalization initiative. Funding for the revitalization projects, including those at Artpark, comes from a variety of sources including a new $75 million parks capital allocation included in this year's state budget, Greenway funding, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and legislative initiatives.

Artpark projects include:

• Upgrading of the Main Stage which will include the replacement of acoustical stage curtains, replacement of the stage floor and carpet, as well as interior and exterior painting .Work on these projects will begin in the fall and patrons will see the improvements when they arrive for next season's line up. In addition, the roof was recently replaced on the theatre thanks to funds secured by Assemblywoman DelMonte.
• The outdoor amphitheater, which is home to the very popular "Tuesday at the Park" and "Wednesdays on the Gorge" concert series, will be completely redesigned and expanded. Currently a feasibility study is underway which will determine time and cost estimates for this project.
• Trails, gorge overlooks and river access routes will be upgraded so that greater access to the gorge will be available. Rock scaling will be taking place early next year and once that is completed, fishing platforms will be installed and landscaping will be improved resulting in better and safer access for hikers and sportsmen alike.

Artpark's attendance reached its highest level in ten years this past summer as over 220,000 people patronized scheduled events and another estimated 150,000 enjoyed the trails, paths, picnicking sites and fishing areas at the Gorge-bordering park.

"When Artpark opened in 1974 it was a world class facility and quickly gained national and international prominence as a unique cultural center located in a State Park. Now - 34 years later - we are poised to return Artpark to this same level of distinction and notoriety thanks in large part to many new sources of funding, the most significant of which are being revealed today," said George Osborne, president of Artpark& Company. "Coupling creative and forward-thinking programming with significant facility and grounds upgrades will greatly enhance Artpark's ability to bring the finest possible cultural experiences to the people of Western New York."

Also announced at the press conference was the new 10- year contract extension between the State parks and Artpark & Company. This agreement will allow Artpark & Company to continue programming events at the venue thru December 2017. Like the previous agreement, State Parks will be responsible for maintaining park buildings and grounds.

"Much of the considerable progress that has taken place at Artpark over the past several years comes as a direct result of an outstanding working relationship between New York State Parks and Artpark & Company," said Christopher H. Brown, Artpark & Company Board Chairman. "As we prepare to embark on the most significant capital improvement effort at Artpark in over three decades, this unique organizational rapport will be more important than ever."

Earl W. Brydges Artpark is dedicated to presenting the finest in performing and visual arts programs, including Broadway musicals and classical, jazz and pop music concerts; art exhibits; classes, workshops and demonstrations, and tours of the park's geological and historic sites and nature trails. Lower Landing Archeological District is a key point in the Colonial Niagara Historic District.

Each year, more than 55 million people visit New York State parks and historic sites, making them a key component of the tourism industry. A 2007 survey indicated that nearly 80 percent of park visitors participate in dining, shopping, or recreational activities outside the park during a park visit.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation administers 178 parks and 35 state historic sites. For more information about state parks and historic sites in New York, please visit www.nysparks.com.