Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper completes construction on new Buffalo Blueway site

At Erie County’s Thomas F. Higgins Riverfront Park on Buffalo River 

√ Site is latest expansion of Waterkeeper’s Buffalo Blueway project, funded in part by Empire State Development

Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Press Release & Photos

Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper announced the completion and grand-opening of the Buffalo Blueway site enhancements at Erie County’s Thomas F. Higgins Riverfront Park adjacent to the Bailey Avenue bridge, at the confluence of the Buffalo River and Cazenovia Creek.

Funded in part with a grant from Empire State Development, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper’s Buffalo Blueway project enhances public access to waterways by creating a water-based trail system that also connects to the land-based Greenway system. 

Friday’s announcement came on the first day of Waterkeeper Weekend, the organization's annual celebration of the start of Western New York's water season.

Waterkeeper contracted with Anchor QEA for design of the project at Higgins Park, and Miller Construction for the construction. The enhancements include a new stabilized shoreline using pinned ledge rock to prevent continued erosion; an at-grade culvert connecting the Buffalo River to an existing wetland; a terraced paddlesport egress point; a new fishing pier, enhanced pathways, benches, educational signage and a Blueway marker that’s easy to spot from the water.

“Thanks to our partners at Empire State Development and Erie County, our vision and implementation of the Buffalo Blueway continues to expand,” Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper Executive Director Jill Jedlicka said. “This Higgins Park access project complements the previous successful openings and enhancements of access sites at Ohio Street, Red Jacket Park, Mutual Riverfront Park, Wilkeson Pointe and Buffalo Riverworks in the last few years.

“For the first 35 years of our existence, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper worked tirelessly to lead the cleanup partnership efforts that resulted in a once-dead Buffalo River becoming a thriving, vibrant ecosystem that is now being utilized for diverse recreational activities from local residents and tourists alike. Supporting the growth and transition of the region’s sustainable, Rust to Blue economy continues to be a goal of our ongoing environmental restoration work, and by offering equitable and universal access to our waterways through the blueway system, these kinds of projects will continue to improve the quality of life and accelerate economic activity for our entire waterfront.”

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “With the new Buffalo Blueway site at Higgins Park now open, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper and New York state are, once again, adding to the growth in public access for Western New York’s greatest asset: its waterfront. I want to thank Waterkeeper for its continued leadership and partnership in getting these projects completed with state funding. This is just the latest example of how Buffalo Blueway projects are adding to the area’s quality of life, increasing recreation and tourism, and helping to boost the regional economy.”

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, “Increasing public access to our waterfront is always something to be pursued and is something that parkgoers and nature enthusiasts increasingly desire. We are blessed in Erie County with a rich and diverse natural environment that includes copious fresh water assets to be explored, navigated and appreciated. This investment at Thomas F. Higgins Riverfront Park adds another opportunity for individuals and families to fish, and for paddlers to have a safe and welcoming spot to get out of the water and enjoy the redesigned overlook or just relax in a beautiful setting. I thank our partners for their work in completing this project, for all Western New Yorkers to enjoy.”

Erie County Parks Commissioner Troy P. Schinzel said, "Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper has been a critical partner in our work to steward, sustain and improve our Erie County parks along the Buffalo River. Parks is proud to offer these enhancements and amenities to our park patrons and to ensure access to green space for all of our park neighbors, while also contributing to the improvement of the Buffalo River ecology and environment. Thank you to Empire State Development, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, and to all of our community partners, for your tireless work in pursuing these important projects.”

In January 2017, New York state announced a $10 million award to Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper to expand and enhance waterfront access. Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper’s Buffalo Blueway project aims to connect a network of public access points located strategically near existing sites and attractions along Lake Erie, the Niagara River and Buffalo River corridors in order to increase recreation and tourism and spur economic development. Since then, numerous enhancement projects have been implemented, including at locations such as Buffalo Riverworks, Wilkeson Pointe, Mutual Riverfront Park, Ohio Street and Red Jacket Park.

The site enhancements include the Buffalo River’s first ADA-accessible paddle launch dock, two public art murals, new seating and parking areas, new native planting areas, debris deflectors, new walking paths, the first (and soon to be second) ADA-accessible fishing access on the Buffalo River, blueway-specific metal markers and interpretive and safety signage, and an interactive Buffalo Blueway website with maps, information and a trip planner (www.buffaloblueway.com).

With the completion of the blueway enhancements at Higgins Park, Waterkeeper’s other Buffalo Blueway construction projects are on the horizon including enhancing public access at the NYS DEC Harlem Road Fishing access site, enhancing public access at Seneca Bluffs Park, and installing a blueway site at the newly reimagined Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park.

More about Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper

Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper is a community-based nonprofit organization that protects and restores waters and surrounding ecosystems for the benefit of current and future generations. For 30 years, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper has been the guardian of Western New York's fresh water, protecting clean water, restoring the health of ecosystems, connecting people to the water and inspiring economic growth and community engagement. For more information, visit www.bnwaterkeeper.org.