By Mark Poloncarz
Recently I joined representatives of the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry and the Erie County Office for People with Disabilities to provide an update to the community about the systemwide improvements made throughout the county and to share details on future upgrades and renovations planned for the future.
As part of my administration’s capital projects strategic plan, a total of nearly $49 million has been invested or committed since 2012 to improving our Erie County Parks and recreation facilities. Our park system is used year-round, and taking advantage of funding obtained through the American Rescue Plan will help us maintain, improve and enhance many of the facilities for various recreation activities.
More than $24 million in projects have been completed during my administration, with $14.3 million of that work being related to RENEW Plan investments announced in 2021. Among the capital projects completed in 2022 were roadway and parking lot improvements at Chestnut Ridge Park and Wendt Beach Park and comfort station renovation work at Ellicott Creek Park.
In addition, nearly $21 million in capital projects are works in progress or in the planning stages of development. Those include $5.8 million earmarked for Wendt Beach Park historic mansion and stable renovations, $2.65 million dedicated toward five inclusive playgrounds, and $1.2 million in erosion control, shoreline stabilization and other amenities at the Higgins Natural Habitat Area.
The inclusive playgrounds follow the “playground for all” philosophy to provide dedicated play space that is fully accessible for children and adults of all physical and developmental abilities. Last fall at Chestnut Ridge Park, we celebrated the official opening of the first of its kind in an Erie County park, and that playground has proven to be incredibly popular, thanks to a unique universal design that allows everyone to experience, enjoy and interact with others in a sensory-rich environment that is clean, safe and welcoming to all. We look forward to future ribbon cutting ceremonies of inclusive playgrounds at Como Lake Park, Emery Park, Ellicott Creek Park and Akron Falls Park over the next one to two years.
As mentioned earlier, county residents and visitors to our region have yearround opportunities to enjoy their favorite recreation activities. An easy way to locate any Erie County park is to access our “Park Locator” online feature by visiting www .erie.gov/parks. In addition, if you or anyone you know wants to host a special event at one of our park shelters or buildings you can inquire about making reservations by calling 716-858-8355.
My administration will continue to remain committed to improving and enhancing the more than 12,000 acres of parks, forests, golf courses and beaches that make up the Erie County Parks System. Investing in them allows for all of us to enjoy these public spaces today and for many years to come.