A NEW RAMP LEADING FROM PORTER AVENUE TO THE PEACE BRIDGE HAS ALLOWED FOR FRONT PARK TO BE RECONNECTED MUCH THE SAME AS IT ONCE WAS.
As you can see, Baird Drive is being filled in, and a jogging path around the park is replacing it.
Jogging/cycling path under construction
The work is part of a New York Gateway Connections Improvement project in Buffalo. The project sees the restoration of four acres of park land. The removal of Baird Drive also connects the surrounding neighborhoods to the park, making is safer for residents to access the amenities without driving.
Bollards are not in place at this time, thus allowing for cars to access the jogging track in order to pull directly up to the picnic shelter, despite a parking lot located mere feet away.
In recent years, we have seen bike lanes added to Porter Avenue, a traffic roundabout recently completed, and the replacement of the Porter Avenue Bridge (still underway) that traverses Interstate 190 and the CSXT Railroad. The bridge is the gateway to LaSalle Park and a number of amenities including a skate plaza, sports fields and a dog park. Cyclists can also access Erie Basin Marina and Canalside via this route along the water. An elevated bike-ped bridge is also nearing completion that will reconnect Porter with Niagara Street.
A working three tier water fountain in Front Park is a welcome surprise for visitors. Can we see more of these in our parks and other places around the city?
Despite being disconnected from the water due to numerous freeways that hog the waterfront, Front Park is reaping the benefits from the aforementioned added improvements. The park is looking better than it has for decades.
Source: https://www.buffalorising.com/2016/09/reconnecting-front-park/
