$500,000 Erie County investment is newest amenity at nearly 100-year-old Heritage Park
ERIE COUNTY, NY— Erie County’s Emery Park, which will be celebrating its centennial in 2025, is now home to a new 300-350 seat amphitheater, which will be available for special events beginning next year, following a county investment of $500,000 in federal American Rescue Plan funding and a year of construction. The amphitheater joins a growing list of attractions at the 490-acre Heritage Park, which already features a free ski hill and lodge, WPA-era stone buildings and shelters, a Black Diamond disc golf course (considered one of the best in the state), waterfalls, hiking trails, and shelters and buildings for rent. Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz today joined Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel and Parks department personnel to review the new amphitheater.
“The new amphitheater at Emery Park will be a great gathering place for larger events and is sure to be well-received by all who use it. Having this feature in a tremendous natural setting like the park adds to the overall experience and will greatly enhance outdoor events,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “I thank the Biden/Harris administration for making this funding possible and former Congressman Brian Higgins for working to pass the American Rescue Plan. This investment was possible because of them and Erie County thanks them for it.”
Renovations on the new amphitheater space included new power service to the stage; a new, expanded and resurfaced parking lot; a new seasonal awning with a concrete pad to accommodate food trucks for events; new stone seating, grading and landscaping; and new entrance gates and stone barriers. A new overflow parking lot was also created adjacent to the main parking lot.
The Poloncarz administration has made significant other investments in Emery Park as well, including many shelter upgrades such as the renovation of Shelter 12, a WPA-era shelter, now with a new parking lot. A WPA-era incinerator at the park, accessible along the trail/road, has also been renovated and new park signage makes wayfinding easier.
Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel added, “Emery Park has seen numerous improvements in recent years and our visitors have been appreciative of these investments, whether it’s using the Magic Carpet on the ski hill, playing disc golf on our improved course or enjoying a day at one of our shelters. Erie County parks provide a fun, memorable family experience for all.”
For more information:
On Emery Park, visit https://www3.erie.gov/parks/emery-park
For more information about the Emery Park Black Diamond Disc Golf Course, visit
https://udisc.com/courses/black-diamond-at-emery-park-zVAt
For more information on the upcoming "Discover Emery" event with 42 North, visit
https://www.universe.com/events/discover-emery-park-festival-tickets-9KLPZ3
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