Wilkeson Pointe Outer Harbor Improvement Project

For years, Wilkeson Pointe at the Outer Harbor has been a magical waterfront destination. Although much of the park provides an idyllic setting for visitors, much of the land was completely underutilized. Now this large parcel (approximately 7 acre site, the area between the waterfront of Wilkeson Pointe and the nearby Fuhrmann Boulevard entrance) is being excavated before the addition of some number of park amenities/infrastructure that will change the face of Wilkeson. Point. Funding for this project comes from the New York Power Authority (NYPA), through license renewal agreements for the operation of the Niagara Power project. The park is currently closed as work is underway. It will reopen in spring 2025.

“Since its inception in 2013, Wilkeson Pointe has become a premier location to enjoy beautiful harbor views and sunsets while walking or biking the trails, paddleboarding, or enjoying a cold drink at the beer garden,” said ECHDC President Robert Gioia. “Governor Hochul’s efforts to advance funding for this project mean residents and newcomers will soon benefit from improved access and experiences when visiting this waterfront destination.” »

Project plans include:

• Other visitor safety measures, such as moving parking away from the body of water and away from the site’s pedestrian path.
• A new catering building will also include restrooms and storage for the operations management team.
• The new outdoor seating area either on the terrace or by the beach
• The site’s existing trails will be relocated and elevated near the water’s edge
• All new utilities will be brought to the new building and site via the adjacent site from Fuhrmann Boulevard.
• Landscaping of the site will be enhanced with the planting of natural species, creating meadows, meadows and pollinator fields.

Considering the outer harbor as a whole, it would be nice to see the wooden swings near the Bell Slip returned to their frames. The frames are still standing, but the swings were removed during the pandemic and never replaced. It will also be nice to see Times Beach (next to Wilkeson Pointe) fully restored. A few years ago, it was announced that $10 million would be spent on repairing sidewalks damaged by several winter storms. The funding also includes the restoration of the breakwater that protects the walkways.

The missing swings near Bell Slip (a small thing)… the destroyed boardwalk at Times Beach (a big thing)… it’s all part of the bigger picture when it comes to fully realizing the true potential of the outer harbor.