On May 24, 2019, the revitalized Lakeside Complex opened on Buffalo, New York‘s Outer Harbor. The 20-acre site includes a new bike park, event lawn, trail for walking or cycling and beautiful landscaping to attract more visitors and residents to the city’s regenerated waterfront.
Local Assembly Member Sean Ryan said, “Over the past decade the Outer Harbor has transformed into one of our region’s greatest assets. This investment into our shoreline will play an important role in the continued revitalization of our waterfront and will allow the Outer Harbor to become an even better destination for residents and visitors. The Outer Harbor is a place that should be able to be enjoyed by everyone and I’m extremely excited to see public parkland and habitat restoration projects being developed at this beautiful destination.”
Congressman Brian Higgins explained, “It was just 10 years ago that the public had a hard time finding the Outer Harbor. Today, thanks to federal, state and New York Power Authority relicensing settlement investments, we are seeing the transformation of the Outer Harbor, with Lakeside Complex representing the latest in a string of parks and public destinations along the water’s edge. This project is a great new addition to the waterfront’s natural and recreational offerings that the public will be eager to explore this summer. And there are more great projects ahead at both the Inner and Outer Harbor as we continue to advance progress along Buffalo’s waterfront.”
Empire State Development committed $5 million for the project located at 825 Fuhrmann Boulevard to enhance access and facilitate greater public use and enjoyment of Buffalo’s Outer Harbor. The new Lakeside Complex will be open from dawn to dusk and includes:
- Bike Park: A combination of trails, a skills loop and a pump track. The bike park provides three introductory to intermediate-level tracks for mountain bike riders. The activity zone includes a pump track, skills loop and tot track with a viewing area and concourse. Nearly one mile of dirt trails are installed throughout the site and present varying degrees of skills and obstacles.
- Great Lawn: A 4-acre grassed oval provides space for both passive and active uses, including events of all sizes and a fantastic setting for sunset views.
Independent Health Wellness Trail: Nearly one mile of additional multi-use trails connect the existing Outer Harbor trail system with Fuhrmann Boulevard to complete the shoreline loop. The nature trail will be surrounded by habitat enhancements and encompass the 4-acre Great Lawn. - Habitat Restoration Areas: More than 10 acres of habitat enhancement and restoration areas feature the addition of hundreds of new trees and shrubs, as well as 1.5 acres of pollinator fields. These areas have seen the removal of invasive species and are now providing habitat for several species of nesting and migratory birds.
- Mountain Bike Rentals: Mountain bike rentals are available during the following hours: Friday: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Holidays: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
“This latest investment in Buffalo’s waterfront adds to the year-round experience that is already attracting more than a million visitors annually to enjoy this flourishing area,” New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said. “The new Lakeside Complex highlights Buffalo’s natural beauty while expanding recreational opportunities for residents and visitors on the shores of Lake Erie.”
As REVITALIZATION readers well know, under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York State is making a historic commitment to improving and expanding access to outdoor recreation. As part of the 2013 transfer of almost 400 acres of land on the Outer Harbor from the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority to New York State, Buffalo Harbor State Park was designated as the 180th State Park in New York’s system and the first in the City of Buffalo.
“Thanks to a continued focus on transforming Buffalo’s waterfront, the Outer Harbor has become accessible to the public for the first time in generations,” added Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “Buffalo Harbor State Park, Wilkeson Point, and the new Lakeside Complex offer an amazing outdoor experience for everyone who makes their way to the shores of Buffalo. These investments are improving the quality of life and bolstering our reputation as a world-class travel destination.”
Empire State Development committed $10 million to transform Buffalo Harbor State Park into a new visitor destination that continues the revitalization of the city’s waterfront. The improvements continue to attract visitors to the park with more than 134,000 visitors during its first year of operation in 2015 and more than 254,000 visitors in 2018.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Buffalo’s Outer Harbor is a tremendous scenic location in Western New York and these new trails and activities provide new opportunities to experience it firsthand, supporting a great destination for tourism and recreation that furthers our regional economic strategy.”
Empire State Development also commits $15 million for Outer Harbor Access & Activation Project II. The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) presented its preferred vision for the project to the public earlier this month. The plan emphasizes passive recreation in three unique waterfront zones: First Buffalo River Marina; the 166 acres that include Wilkeson Pointe to Bell Slip; and Terminal B.
Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “The opening of the Lakeside Complex on the Outer Harbor comes just in time for the busy summer recreation season. With its’ bike park, multi-use trail, restored habitat, and event area, residents and visitors will have one more reason to take in the beauty of our waterfront. This $5 million investment in revitalizing Buffalo’s Outer Harbor is just another example of the Governor’s ongoing commitment to Western New York.”
The overall goals of the project include improving use and enjoyment of the Outer Harbor, enhancing bicycle and pedestrian access and minimizing adverse impacts on communities and the environment. The overall preferred vision is available at here. This vision, considering additional public comments, will be presented to the ECHDC Board of Directors for consideration and future action.
Senator Chris Jacobs said, “Today’s grand opening of the Lakeside Complex on Buffalo’s Outer Harbor marks another great step in our community’s vision to redevelop and revitalize our magnificent waterfront. The infrastructure and amenities that are now in place will make Lakeside Complex an even more attractive destination for families, visitors and everyone whose quality of life is enhanced by the beauty and recreational opportunities associated with our waterfront.”
City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown concluded, “The Lakeside Complex, with its many new active and passive venues will attract even more visitors to our beautiful urban waterfront. It offers something for visitors of all ages and interests. I thank Governor Cuomo and all of my partners in government for their continued support for the reimagining of our waterfront. All of these resources are contributing to transform the City of Buffalo’s Inner and Outer Harbors in the City of Buffalo to their highest potential.”
Photos courtesy of New York Governor’s office.