Construction Oversight: Buffalo Harbor State Park Recreation Facility Expansion

Work appears to have begun on an expansion of recreational facilities at Buffalo Harbor State Park in the Outer Harbor.

Last June, it was announced that a series of new amenities would be added to the already successful picnic and playground area, including a splash pad, a signature art sculpture, shade structures, a new building to house guest services and park operations, thirteen new gender-neutral restrooms, vending machines, electric vehicle charging stations, a dedicated food truck area, waterfront pergola swings, and a café/retail area, among other site improvements. The fountain will be a welcome addition to the site as warmer summers are here to stay.

The project calls for $47.5 million in new improvements to the park, with a completion date of Memorial Day 2026.

“We continue to transform Buffalo’s Outer Harbor waterfront by providing greater public access and creating a vibrant neighborhood for residents and visitors to enjoy,” said Governor Hochul. “Buffalo Harbor State Park is a special destination on our waterfront, and these additions will further enhance the experience for all Western New York families and provide a world-class destination for visitors of all ages to recreate, relax, and enjoy our beautiful sunsets.”

Randy Simons, Commissioner pro tempore of New York State Parks, said, “Western New Yorkers love summer, and the waterfront at Buffalo Harbor State Park is already a beautiful place to enjoy both. As we celebrate the park system’s centennial this year, we are grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to state parks and for recognizing the beauty and opportunities of this park. I am confident that when completed, Buffalo Harbor will meet the needs of a broader range of park users and be an even more popular waterfront destination.”

Considering that all of these family activities will soon be available at the Outer Harbor, it is even more surprising that kite flying is not allowed without a permit. And permits are not easily granted to everyone. Maybe one day someone at the state level will realize that kite flying is a good thing, not something to be scared of.