$4.1 million project creates new overlook/ramp for panoramic views, new bike connections, inclusive playground, signage, more
Erie County, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, Niagara River Greenway, NYS Department of State partner on significant reimagining of Isle View
ERIE COUNTY, NY— Erie County’s Isle View Park in Tonawanda will be undergoing a significant transformation in 2025 as a $4.1 million enhancement project gets set to begin. A collaboration between
Erie County, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, the Niagara River Greenway, and the NYS Department of State, the project will reconfigure numerous areas of the popular riverfront park to make it more user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing and walkable. Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz today joined representatives of each of these organizations along with Erie County Legislator John Bargnesi (4th District), City of Tonawanda Mayor John White, Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joseph Emminger, and county personnel to announce the ambitious project and break ground on it.
“Our Erie County parks are tremendously popular for good reason and are the place where families and individuals can relax, reconnect and recreate all year long. This investment in Isle View Park will not only modernize the park by giving it a whole new look and accessibility, but it also brings new amenities and much more,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “We are preserving, protecting and improving our parks for enjoyment today and appreciation tomorrow, and I thank our partners for joining in this initiative to benefit our community.”
“The Isle View Park Enhancement Project will improve public access to the waterfront and help further the transition of the Niagara River Greenway toward the world class waterfront corridor envisioned in the Niagara River Greenway Plan,” said New York Power Authority Chairman and Erie County Resident John R. Koelmel. “Through the Niagara Power Project’s relicensing and the establishment of the Greenway Fund, NYPA is proud to fund this exciting improvement project that will bring much deserved attention to the region’s many assets.”
The project is expected to be substantially complete by the end of 2025.
The Isle View Enhancement project includes:
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Vista overlook/ ramp connection – The overlook and ramp will provide panoramic views of the Tonawanda and Grand Island Niagara River waterfront and provide a new pedestrian and bike connection between River Rd. and Isle View Park – this will overcome the 30’ grade difference between River Road and the Park and also connect to the Town’s proposed Mile View Trail system in design.
This new trail system will connect Riverview Solar Technology Park and its multiple businesses to the waterfront and the Shoreline Trail system of trails. This improvement is a recommendation of the Town’s Brownfield Opportunity Area Plan.
- Repair and enhancement of the park’s five waterfront overlooks. These are waterfront overlooks from the 1970s and 1980s that will be repaired and replaced to address erosion issues, provide ADA accessibility and improve functionality.
- Replacement of trees and new landscaping.
- A new inclusive playground with nature-based play elements (climbing logs, jumping stumps etc.) will replace the outdated 1970’s playground that exists now.
- The former River Dogs hot dog stand will be demolished and replaced with a new pavilion shelter. The area adjacent will be reconfigured to reduce the overall amount of asphalt and enhance the northern pedestrian entrance to the park. Adjacent to the waterfront, a new gas fire pit with surrounding Adirondack chairs will provide a new point of interest to draw users to the park.
- The park’s northern entrance from River Road will be redeveloped to enhance the aesthetics and the functionality of the entrance. The Park maintenance area will be visually separated from the entrance. The two entrances and exit roads will be reduced to one to reduce confusion, improve functionality and reduce the amount of asphalt. In addition, a raingarden will be integrated into the entrance.
- A new park sign will be installed at the entrance. The sign will be consistent with the new park signage being implemented County-wide.
- Isle View’s parking lot will be repaved.
“This is a really special moment for not only my district but all of Erie County. Isle View Park has always been a place where families gather, kids play, and neighbors come to enjoy the waterfront. After years of planning, I’m proud to see this nearly $4 million project breaking ground right here in my district. These long-overdue improvements will make the park more accessible, welcoming, and better equipped to serve the needs of our residents for generations to come,” said Erie County Legislator John Bargnesi (4th District). I’m truly grateful to County Executive Mark Poloncarz, my partners in government, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, the Niagara River Greenway, and New York State for their strong commitment to this project and to the people who call this community home.”
“It’s incredible to see this project finally come to life. Isle View Park is a real asset to the neighborhood and to families throughout Erie County. This nearly $4 million investment will make the park more accessible, inviting, and connected to the community. I’m proud to support this effort and thankful to County Executive Mark Poloncarz, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, the Niagara River Greenway, and all of our partners who helped make it happen,” added Erie County Legislator Michael Kooshoian (3rd District).
“Due to its location on the Niagara River, Isle View Park is tremendously popular especially in the warmer months,” said Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel. “With these enhancements, visitors will have a more enjoyable experience that brings them closer to the water but still incorporates all the elements that guests in our parks expect.”
Commissioner of the Department of Environment and Planning Dan Castle added, “Improvements like these planned at Isle View Park make these spaces more user-friendly and able to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages and abilities. Enhanced walkways, improved overlooks, and improved amenities here will change the look of Isle View and create a better experience for all.”
For more information:
On Isle View Park, visit https://www3.erie.gov/parks/isle-view
On the Niagara River Greenway, visit https://www.niagararivergreenway.com/
On the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, visit https://www.ralphcwilsonjrfoundation.org/
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