Over $3.1 million has been invested in Como Lake Park renovations, restorations and improvements since 2012
County Executive, Parks Commissioner Join Parks Workers for Celebratory Hot Dogs at Shelter #14
ERIE COUNTY, NY— Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz joined Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel and Parks’ department staff today at Shelter #14 at Como Lake Park to review capital improvements at the park, including the brand-new new Shelter #14, a $510,000 investment that is now in its first year of rental availability. Located next to an accessible playground and multi-generational exercise area with ample new parking, the new shelter is ideal for families and large get-togethers. The new shelter adds to a lengthy and varied list of improvements at Como Lake Park conducted by the Poloncarz administration since 2012, totaling over $3.1 million in that time. Since 2012 and including RENEW Plan funding the Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry has invested more than $62 million into the Erie County Parks System.
“Our parks system was languishing when I took office, the result of years of disinvestment and neglect. The effects of that were visible in parks countywide with broken bathrooms, crumbling concrete, shelters that were rotting away, poor amenities and lack of parking, aged playground equipment, and many other shortcomings. It was not the parks system that Erie County residents deserved, but my administration had a vision to change that by restoring and improving parks countywide for today and for the future,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Today, the far-reaching positive effects of investing in our parks can be seen system-wide and Como Lake Park is just one example. Over $3.1 million in renovations, repairs, restorations and other improvements here have transformed this park into a year-round place for recreation, relaxation, seasonal fun and a place to create lasting family memories. As I have said in the past, we are stewards of these natural spaces and must do all we can to preserve and protect them for this generation and the next, and we are doing that.”
Capital improvements at Como Lake Park included multiple building repairs and roof replacements, roadway and parking lot improvements, extensive repairs to the Bowen Grove, Lancaster Place, and the Rich Marino Gazebo, as well as restroom renovations park wide. Basketball, tennis and pickleball courts were resurfaced, the sled hill was upgraded, the Como Lake Dog Park was created, accessible playgrounds were installed, and the Lighthouse was completely renovated. A multi-generational exercise/recreation area was built near the brand-new shelter #14, the pedestrian bridge at the Lake was repaired, and new guiderails were installed on park roads.
A full listing of Como Lake Park capital improvements can be found here .
Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Forestry Troy P. Schinzel added, “The improvements here at Como Lake Park have been noticed and appreciated by park goers, as Como is now one of our busier parks on an every day basis. With the addition of the accessible playgrounds, exercise area and dog park there are many reasons for people to come and visit for an hour or for a day, enjoying all that Como has to offer. It is a beautiful park and we are working to make it even better.”
Como Lake Park is one of Erie County’s five “Heritage Parks”, part of the core of the system’s 10,000 acres. It is used year -round and is the home of the Erie County Fall Fest, winter ice skating and sledding, and is also home to one of the county’s disc golf courses.
For more information:
On the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, visit https://www3.erie.gov/parks/
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