BUFFALO, N.Y. — An update on upgrades coming to Buffalo Harbor State Park was provided by Gov. Kathy Hochul's office on Friday.
Work is now underway to add a new splash pad, build sculptures, and add a café with retail space. The governor said those changes would make the park an even better destination for people of all ages.
The $47.5 million project is expected to be finished in time for Memorial Day in 2026.
"We are continuing to transform Buffalo's Outer Harbor Waterfront by providing more public access and creating a vibrant area for residents and visitors to enjoy," Governor Hochul said in a statement Friday.
The splash pad, which will be adjacent to a large Buffalo sculpture or fountain, is cited as one way that families would be able to cool off during the summer months.
There will also be more retail space, a park office with public restrooms, an expanded playground, a dedicated space for food trucks, and more park furnishings.
"Buffalo Harbor State Park is a special destination on our waterfront, and these additions will further improve the experience for all Western New York families and offer a world class destination for visitors of all ages to recreate, relax and watch our amazing sunsets," Hochul said.
The upgrades come at a time when local and state leaders are adding to the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Empire State Trail Gateway, which serves as the start and finish point of the 750-mile-long Empire State Trail.
"I want to thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and vision for Buffalo Harbor State Park," Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said. "The project serves as another example of Buffalo’s growing waterfront. This investment will attract thousands of residents and visitors annually."