This summer, take advantage of all Erie County has to offer

Guest Editorial by Deputy Erie County Executive Lisa Chimera

In Buffalo and Erie County, we are fortunate to have great cultural, educational and recreational institutions. As we approach the end of the school year, I would like to take the opportunity to highlight ways for families to take advantage of these spaces during the summer months.

With 37 branches and the Library on Wheels Bookmobile, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library stretches across our entire community. Our libraries offer free Wi-Fi, public computers, and the ability to borrow sports equipment, movies, tabletop games and, of course, books!

Libraries provide a welcoming space with a full schedule of programing. Membership is free to residents of New York. Visit a branch to apply or visit www.buffalolib.org/library-cards. You can also check out events at your local branch by visiting www.buffalolib.org/whats-happening.

On that note, your free library card also serves as a ticket to discounts and specials at destinations across Erie County. Use your library card VIP (Very Important Perks Pass) to receive free general admission for up to four people at the Buffalo History Museum, or for $2 off general admission at Explore & More Children’s Museum. Other VIP partners include the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve, plus many more!

For a day of outdoor fun, consider visiting one of Erie County’s parks or forestry areas. With miles of trails for hiking and biking, tennis courts and picnic areas, there is so much to explore. Accessible playgrounds are now open at our five heritage parks, in addition to Tow Path Park in the City of Buffalo. To further improve the accessibility of our parks, all picnic tables have been replaced with universal picnic tables that accommodate those with mobility devices. In addition, we have installed beach matting at Bennett Beach Park, to ensure that all are able to take in the beautiful waterfront views.

Our park rangers have been hard at work planning weekly events for the upcoming season. These free events offer the opportunity to observe and learn about the nature, wildlife and geology of Erie County parks while enjoying time outdoors. You can view the full schedule and learn how to prepare at www.erie.gov/parks/events.

For working families, Say Yes Buffalo and the Boys & Girls Clubs offer summer camps where children have the opportunity to take part in arts and crafts, outdoor activities and other educational experiences. Registration is still open, but spots are filling fast!

For children entering grades six through nine, Erie 1 BOCES offers an option of one or two weeks of summer camp. Week one is at the Potter Career and Technical Center. During this week, campers can participate in a series of four camps of their choice, from “Camp Culinary” and “Flair for Fashion” to the “Mini Veterinary School” and “Future First Responders.” Week two will be at the Calspan Career and Technical Center, where campers complete projects that cover topics including video production and recording arts, digital media, photography and game design. To learn more, or to register, visit www.e1b.org.

I wish all our families, students, teachers and school staff a wonderful end to their academic year, and look forward to another great summer in Erie County.