Outer Harbor Development

Vision

The Buffalo Niagara Outer Harbor will be transformed into a world-class waterfront parkspace, stretching from the mouth of the Buffalo River to the city’s southern border, serving as a vibrant, accessible, and sustainable destination for residents and visitors. This expansive park will feature large marinas, beaches, hiking trails, and a wide array of recreational amenities, fostering recreation, environmental stewardship, and economic vitality while celebrating the region’s natural beauty and maritime heritage.

Strategic Objectives

  1. Create a Vast Waterfront Parkspace: Develop a continuous, interconnected park system along the Outer Harbor, prioritizing green spaces that enhance community access to Lake Erie.
  2. Build Large Marinas: Construct state-of-the-art marinas to support boating, tourism, and economic activity, positioning Buffalo as a premier Great Lakes destination.
  3. Establish Beaches and Recreational Amenities: Create accessible beaches and diverse recreational facilities to promote active lifestyles and year-round engagement.
  4. Develop Extensive Hiking Trails: Design a network of trails that connect the parkspace to regional greenways, encouraging exploration and environmental appreciation.
  5. Ensure Sustainability and Resilience: Integrate green infrastructure and climate-resilient design to protect the waterfront and enhance ecological health.

Key Strategies

1. Create a Vast Waterfront Parkspace

  • Unified Park Design: Develop a vast waterfront park from the Buffalo River to the city’s southern border, integrating green spaces, plazas, and natural habitats to create a cohesive urban oasis.
  • Public Access Prioritization: Ensure universal access through multiple entry points, free admission, and inclusive design features like accessible pathways and sensory gardens.
  • Cultural and Historical Elements: Incorporate public art, interpretive signage, and spaces honoring Buffalo’s industrial and maritime history, such as restored grain elevators or shipyard relics.
  • Community Programming: Host year-round events, including festivals, markets, and wellness programs, to activate the park and foster community engagement.

2. Build Large Marinas

  • Marina Development: Construct two large-scale marinas capable of accommodating 2,500+ boats, with facilities for recreational boating, fishing charters, and yacht tourism.
  • Economic Integration: Partner with private operators to develop marina-adjacent amenities, such as restaurants, retail, and boat rental services, to boost local commerce.
  • Sustainable Operations: Equip marinas with eco-friendly features like electric boat charging stations, waste recycling systems, and water treatment to minimize environmental impact.
  • Regional Connectivity: Link marinas to regional and international boating networks, promoting Buffalo as a Great Lakes boating hub and attracting tourists from Canada and beyond.

3. Establish Beaches and Recreational Amenities

  • Public Beaches: Create at least three public beaches with clean, safe swimming areas, supported by regular water quality testing and lifeguard services.
  • Recreational Facilities: Develop amenities including playgrounds, sports fields, outdoor fitness stations, kayak launches, and fishing piers to cater to diverse interests and age groups.
  • Seasonal Programming: Offer winter activities like ice skating or cross-country skiing and summer programs like beach volleyball and paddleboarding to ensure year-round use.
  • Inclusive Design: Ensure all recreational amenities meet universal design standards, providing accessible equipment and facilities for people with disabilities.

4. Develop Extensive Hiking Trails

  • Trail Network: Build a 10-mile network of multi-use trails connecting the Outer Harbor to the Niagara River Greenway, regional parks, and downtown Buffalo, with options for hiking, biking, and jogging.
  • Ecological Integration: Design trails to showcase native flora and fauna, with educational signage highlighting the region’s biodiversity and conservation efforts.
  • Trailhead Amenities: Provide trailheads with parking, restrooms, bike racks, and digital wayfinding kiosks to enhance user experience and accessibility.
  • Community Involvement: Engage local residents and schools in trail maintenance and stewardship programs to foster a sense of ownership and environmental responsibility.

5. Ensure Sustainability and Resilience

  • Green Infrastructure: Integrate rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable surfaces to manage stormwater and protect Lake Erie from runoff pollution.
  • Climate-Resilient Design: Elevate critical infrastructure, such as marina docks and beach facilities, to withstand flooding and extreme weather events.
  • Renewable Energy: Power park amenities with solar panels and wind turbines, targeting 100% renewable energy use for park operations by 2035.
  • Habitat Restoration: Restore wetlands and native plantings along the waterfront to enhance biodiversity and support migratory bird and fish populations.

Implementation Plan

  • Short-Term (1-2 Years):
    • Complete a master plan for the 200-acre parkspace, incorporating community and stakeholder input.
    • Begin construction of one marina with 200 boat slips and adjacent retail spaces.
    • Develop one public beach and two miles of hiking trails, including a trailhead with amenities.
    • Launch a pilot program for community events, hosting 10 events to test park activation strategies.
  • Medium-Term (3-5 Years):
    • Complete 50% of the parkspace, including two public squares, one additional beach, and five miles of trails.
    • Finish the second marina and expand boating services, targeting 50,000 annual visitors.
    • Implement green infrastructure across 50% of the park, including stormwater management systems.
    • Establish partnerships with local organizations for year-round programming and trail stewardship.
  • Long-Term (5-10 Years):
    • Complete the full 200-acre parkspace, with all planned beaches, trails, and recreational amenities operational.
    • Achieve 1 million annual visitors to the Outer Harbor, with marinas contributing $50 million to the local economy.
    • Ensure 90% of park facilities use renewable energy and meet climate resilience standards.
    • Position Buffalo Niagara’s Outer Harbor as a top 10 North American waterfront destination by 2035.

Metrics for Success

  • Park Access: Ensure 90% of Buffalo Niagara residents live within a 15-minute drive or transit ride of the Outer Harbor parkspace by 2035.
  • Economic Impact: Generate $100 million in annual economic activity from marina operations, tourism, and park-related businesses by 2035.
  • Recreational Engagement: Achieve 500,000 annual users of beaches, trails, and recreational amenities by 2030.
  • Environmental Health: Reduce waterfront runoff pollution by 25% and restore 50 acres of wetlands by 2035.

Conclusion

The Buffalo Niagara Outer Harbor Development Plan will transform the waterfront into a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive destination that celebrates the region’s natural beauty and fosters community connection. By prioritizing a vast parkspace, marinas, beaches, trails, and recreational amenities, this plan will elevate Buffalo Niagara as a global leader in waterfront urbanism, attracting visitors and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.