Half of the former Westwood CC course will be transformed into a public, passive green space with walking trails, a playground, bathrooms, food truck spaces, more
The other historic half of the golf course will be restored and entire park will be renamed
“Willowdale Park” in honor of its past
ERIE COUNTY, NY— Erie County and the Town of Amherst are moving forward with a partnership that will transform the Town’s former Westwood Golf Course, which has been closed for years, into a new green public space with recreational activities for residents to enjoy. Erie County plans to begin construction this spring on the new “Willowdale Park” at the site and have the new park, along with restoration of nine of the former Westwood CC golf holes, seven of which date back to the original 1921 9-hole Willowdale Country Club course designed by 2-time Open Champion Willie Park, Jr., ready to open in 2026.
“This agreement benefits both Amherst and Erie County, by turning the unused former Westwood golf Course into a large usable green space for the public, including restoration of nine holes of the former Westwood CC, 7 of which are original to the site and historic. Amherst residents should be pleased that there will be no massive development on the site, something which they made known they were very opposed to,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “We listened to them and came up with a solution for this site that brings people together, while preserving and maintaining natural outdoor recreational space. This is a win for the whole county, and I look forward to the completion of this project.”
Poloncarz was joined at the site Wednesday morning by Town of Amherst Supervisor Brian Kulpa and Town Councilman Shawn Lavin; Erie County Legislator Jeanne Vinal (5th District); NYS Senator Sean Ryan; NYS Assemblymember Karen McMahon; and Erie County Commissioner of Parks, Recreation & Forestry Troy P. Schinzel.
“The Town of Amherst will soon have a generational park in the heart of the town. The development of the former Westwood Property has been a partnership since day one with New York State and Erie County both contributing financially toward the revitalization of this space. With today's announcement, we continue the Town’s promise to preserve the green space for the public to use and enjoy,” said Supervisor Brian Kulpa. “We look forward to the opening of the park, the playground and outdoor event space next year.”
The Town of Amherst took out an initial $7.5 million bond to acquire the property. Erie County will invest $3.7 million from a capital reserve fund and another $3 million in budget-balancing funding to rebuild the golf course and begin work on the passive park. The county has also set aside funding for initial staffing at Willowdale Park.
"It’s been ten years since the fence went up around this property and after a decade of uncertainty, we're proud to say the wait is over. Amherst residents will now enjoy a passive park and nine holes of golf—exactly what they fought to preserve,” said Amherst Councilman Shawn Lavin. “Today, thanks to the persistence of our community and smart partnerships, we're turning it into exactly what it was always meant to be - open, green and accessible."
The new Willowdale Park will feature a restored 9-hole golf course using the same routing as the former Westwood CC’s back nine, 7 holes of which are original to the site and were designed by famed golf course architect and player Willie Park, Jr., the 1887 and 1889 Open Championship winner and designer of famous courses worldwide, and a large passive park with walking trails, an accessible playground, a bathroom, and an area for food trucks or other vendors to set up. The Town of Amherst will retain control of the Southeastern corner of the new park to finish construction of the playground and bathroom. Once that work is completed, that portion of the park will be transferred to Erie County.
Funding for the new playground was secured by NYS Senator Sean Ryan and NYS Assemblymember Karen McMahon.
NYS Senator Sean Ryan said, “Willowdale Park is shaping up to be a great community gathering place for all ages. I was happy to play a part by securing state funding to help create an accessible playground – it is important for all children to have spaces where they can get some fresh air and exercise. Kudos to County Executive Poloncarz and Supervisor Kulpa for collaborating to advance a plan that will turn this property into a public asset that our community can enjoy for generations to come."
The Amherst Town Board and Erie County legislature will have to approve the transaction. Erie County Legislator Jeanne M. Vinal (5th District) appropriated money for initial park planning and the food truck market area.
"I am thrilled to see the vision for the former Amherst Central Park coming to life through its transformation into Willowdale Park. In 2022, I was proud to allocate $2.4 million to jumpstart the renovation of this incredible green space. These funds have supported the initial planning phases and the development of a food truck market area, which will not only enhance the park’s appeal but also make it a welcoming space for all members of the community,” said Erie County Legislator Jeanne Vinal (5th District). “Thanks to the ongoing support of the County Executive, Town Supervisor, and our dedicated government partners, Willowdale Park will soon be a place where residents can connect with nature, celebrate milestones, and foster a strong sense of community. This project also represents a significant milestone for District 5, as it will be the first county park in the area, providing much-needed accessibility to our community. I am excited to continue working with my colleagues in the Legislature to ensure this park becomes a reality, and that Willowdale Park will be a vibrant space benefiting generations to come."
For more information:
On the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry, visit https://www3.erie.gov/parks/
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