Construction Watch: Expansion of recreational facilities at Buffalo Harbor State Park

Work looks set to begin on an expansion of recreational facilities at Outer Harbor’s Buffalo Harbor State Park.

This past June, it was announced that a series of new amenities will be added to the already highly successful picnic and playground area, including a spray ground, signature art sculpture, shade structures, new building to house patron services and park operations, thirteen new gender neutral restrooms, vending machines, EV charging stations, dedicated space for food trucks, waterside pergola swings, and café/retail space, among other site improvements. The water feature will be most welcome at the site, as hotter summers are here to stay.

The project will see $47.5 million in new upgrades added to the park, with a completion date of Memorial Day 2026.

“We are continuing to transform Buffalo’s Outer Harbor Waterfront by providing more public access and creating a vibrant area for residents and visitors to enjoy,” Governor Hochul said. “Buffalo Harbor State Park is a special destination on our waterfront, and these additions will further enhance the experience for all Western New York families and offer a world-class destination for visitors of all ages to recreate, relax and watch our amazing sunsets.”

New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “Western New Yorkers love summer, and the waterfront at Buffalo Harbor State Park is already a magnificent place to enjoy both. As we celebrate the park system’s centennial this year, we are grateful to Governor Hochul for her ongoing commitment to state parks and for recognizing the beauty and opportunity of this park. I am confident that when complete, Buffalo Harbor will cater to a wider range of park users and be an even more popular waterfront destination.”

Seeing that all of these family friendly features will soon be accessible at the Outer Harbor, it’s even more of a head scratcher that kite flying is not allowed without a permit. And permits are not readily granted to anyone. Maybe someday someone at the State level will figure out that kite flying is a good thing, not something to fear.