$95,000 Project, funded by NYS, adds accessible pathway, flagpoles, lighting
Ribbon cutting reopens improved monument site
ERIE COUNTY, NY— Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined today by NYS Senator Tim Kennedy (63rd District), Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel, and Parks staff at Towpath Park in Buffalo to unveil improvements to the Fenian Monument there. Originally installed in 2012 in a peaceful spot at the park overlooking the Niagara River, the granite monument has been upgraded with a new pathway providing greater accessibility from the parking area, new flagpoles for the American, Irish, and Canadian flags, and new lighting to highlight the area. The $95,000 upgrade project was funded through Senator Kennedy’s office. Also joining the celebration was Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, the former Lord Mayor of Belfast and Finance Minister for Northern Ireland and current publisher of The Irish Echo in the United States. The group cut a ribbon to officially re-open the site.
“With these upgrades the Fenian Monument looks better than ever and I thank Senator Kennedy for providing the funding to get this done,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “The Monument’s home here at Towpath Park provides a fitting spot to learn more about the Fenians and reflect on the actions they took in 1866.”
"The Fenian Monument not only commemorates our region’s Irish American history, it also connects the communities and economies of Western New York and Southern Ontario and underscores the bonds shared between our international community," said Senator Tim Kennedy. "I'm thrilled to deliver funding to enhance the monument, and I thank the County Executive and his team for working alongside us to spotlight it the way it truly deserves to be."
“Towpath Park is a beautiful place that’s close to downtown Buffalo but feels like an oasis,” said Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel. “Along with the improved Fenian Monument, Towpath will soon feature an inclusive playground, the first of its kind in the City of Buffalo. We are investing in Parks systemwide, and the results are showing.”
For more information:
On the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry visit https://www3.erie.gov/parks/
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