Senator Thompson Secured $250,000 For Improvements To Niawanda Park

For Immediate Release: February, 18, 2010
Contact:  Heather Zeisz | zeisz@senate.state.ny.us | 716.854.8706

Tonawanda, NY – New York State Senator Antoine M. Thompson (D-Parts of Erie & Niagara Counties) held a press conference regarding $250,000 in capital funding which was secured for Niawanda Park.  The press conference was held on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at the City of Tonawanda City Hall at 200 Niagara Street at 3:00 PM.

“Niawanda Park is a beautiful area in the City of Tonawanda where people gather for sightseeing, relaxation and recreation,” stated Thompson. “I am happy that I was able to secure funding so that we can stabilize the shoreline and ensure that locals and tourists will be able to enjoy the park for generations to come.”

Niawanda Park is the largest park in the City of Tonawanda. Although it is very narrow, it is about a mile long. The park is sunk below street level as it occupies the former Erie Canal where it used to continue on to Buffalo.  The park has several amenities which make it a frequently visited destination.  There are picnic tables and benches lining the river walk which also includes a bicycle path, which is part of the Niagara Riverwalk, and a fishing pier. A boat launch is also available for use with a permit.

In the 2009 budget, Senator Thompson secured $250,000 in capital funding for Niawanda Park that will be used for improvements to the park.  The priority is on stabilizing about a mile of the shoreline due to erosion of the bank from the Niagara River. 

Mayor Ron Pilozzi, Council President Carleton Zeisz, Director of Parks and Recreation Linda Foels. City Clerk Jan Bodie, City Treasurer Joe Hogenkamp and Common Council Members Richard Slisz, Bill Poole and Blake Boyle were in attendance to show their appreciation for the funding.

“On behalf of myself and the residents of the City of Tonawanda I would like to take this opportunity to thank Senator Antoine Thompson for the award of $250,000 for erosion control along the Niawanda Park section of the Niagara River. This, along with a contract passed on Tuesday evening dedicating $42,140 for survey and design, will be an attempt through this partnership with NYS to stem the tide of erosion in those areas deemed to require immediate attention first. This will be the initial step in protecting this beautiful park and insure that our residents and visitors will be able to enjoy all this park has to offer for years to come,” said Mayor Ron Pilozzi.

Common Council President Carleton Zeisz said, “Niawanda Park along the Niagara River is a jewel of our community and I would like to personally thank Senator Thompson for his efforts bringing financial assistance to the City of Tonawanda to aid us in making park improvements and badly needed shoreline repairs.”

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