Project Part of Continuing Effort to Focus on Youth-Oriented Development
Niagara Falls, N.Y. – (RealEstateRama) — Mayor Paul Dyster, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), representatives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, members of the Niagara Falls City Council and residents broke ground on the Niagara Falls Skate Park. Located within Hyde Park just off Hyde Park Boulevard was planned in strong partnership with entities including the Niagara Falls Youth Bureau, the Niagara Falls Police Department, Department of Community Development and Department of Public Works.
“The Niagara Falls Skate Park is a shining representation of the public process at its very best and illustrative of a renewed energy amongst our young residents to create lasting change in our city,” said Mayor Paul Dyster. “This publicly driven process is a direct result of the tireless efforts of our young residents, our Department of Community Development; and would not be possible without our federal partners in Congressman Higgins and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for their continued commitment to rebuilding neighborhoods in Niagara Falls.”
“With federal Community Development Block Grant funding we are seeing investments in parks and playgrounds, business districts and neighborhoods across Niagara Falls,” said Congressman Higgins. “This new skate park is the latest public driven project made possible thanks to the leadership of Mayor Dyster, the City Council and a very active and effective Department of Community Development.”
The first facility of its kind within the city of Niagara Falls, construction on the concrete skate park comes after nearly 20 years of public advocacy for such a facility. In August 2014, the Department of Community Development began a public participation process to plan the Niagara Falls Skate Park, garnering more than 600 signatures in a show of unprecedented public support. Funded through a combination of federal and foundational grant funding, the park represents a true reflection of public input and reinforces the city’s focus on more youth-oriented development.
“This skate park is being built through real public participation,” said Seth Piccirillo, Director of Community Development. “People of all ages got together to plan a special space for our young people because they deserve it. We should be proud of how well this process worked, and duplicate it many times over.”
Niagara Falls City Council Chairman Andy Touma said, “The skate park is a great opportunity for our youth to enjoy a quality recreational activity. We value the quality of life of all of our residents.”
“The Niagara Falls Youth Bureau is proud to be an important part of the Niagara Falls Skate Park,” said Phil Mohr, President of the Niagara Falls Youth Bureau. “This project has given our young people a seat at the table, and a place to call their own. We followed a simple concept – listen to the community.”
The creation of the Niagara Falls Skate Park is part of a continuing effort to increase and improve youth facilities and services within the community, with additional announcements set in the coming weeks. Construction on the skate park is expected to be complete by September.
