[Press Release]

 Project replaces outdated equipment, allows for easier accessibility and monitoring

Niagara Falls, N.Y. — Mayor Paul Dyster joined Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development representatives, city officials and community members to break ground on a new playground at Hyde Park. The project will replace an outdated, existing facility and will be relocated within Hyde Park, off of Robbins Drive, in proximity to the Robbins Drive parking lot. Consistent with Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, the playground is centrally located, in order to be easily accessible to all Niagara Falls residents.

Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster said, “As the second largest municipal park in New York State and the city’s premier green space, residents and families in the city of Niagara Falls are deserving of a recreational experience of the same caliber. Our efforts to make Hyde Park and all of our neighborhood parks safer, greener and more easily accessible would not be possible without Congressman Higgins, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and our residents, for their continuous dedication to the betterment of our community.”

“Parks are a gathering point for residents, enhancing neighborhoods and adding to the quality of life for our City,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “This project and other investments in infrastructure and business districts across the city are building a stronger Niagara Falls.”
The playground consists of five separate pods, organized by age group, each including safety surfacing and surrounding bench seating. Easily visible from both the Robbins Drive parking lot and Robbins Drive itself, the playground replaces a current, isolated location making it difficult to monitor and reach, as there are no connecting sidewalks.

“The new Hyde Park Playground will be accessible to all Niagara Falls neighborhoods, and its modern design and layout will make it both a source of community pride and easy to maintain and monitor,” said Seth Piccirillo, City of Niagara Falls Community Director of Community Development. “Once again, we are making a quality of life improvement for our local families through public participation.”

“The council is proud to be part of the upgrades to the playground at Hyde Park,” said Andy Touma, Niagara Falls City Council Chair. “The new playground will bring excitement and hours of fun for our residents and tourists for many years to come.”

Niagara Falls City Council Member Kristen Grandinetti said, “From the skate park to the bocce courts; the Rose Garden to the stadium; the ice pavilion to the splash pool; we are embracing and expanding one of the most beautiful parks in New York State — our very own Hyde Park. This new playground solidifies our commitment to do better and be better for the citizens of this community.”

Funded through a combination of federal, community and Greenway funding grants, the $190,000 project is part of the City of Niagara Falls’ continuing efforts to increase and improve youth facilities and services in our community; and was planned in partnership with the Niagara Falls Youth Bureau and input from the Niagara Falls Police Department and Department of Public Works.

Niagara Falls Youth Bureau member Bryan Rotella said, “The goal of the board has always been to continuously build on the programs and opportunities we offer our youth. As a parent of two young children, it is important to advocate for recreational activities for them within our city. The construction of the new Hyde Park Playground, not only benefits our youth, but all citizens. We are hoping this new addition to Hyde Park will entice families to spend quality time with one another in one of the biggest parks in the state.”

Hyde Park is the city’s signature public green space and the second largest municipal park in New York State, second only to Central Park. Since 2011, the City of Niagara Falls has significantly improved or created 22 public parks or park improvements. An additional five public park projects are funded and currently being designed, bringing that total to 27 improvements.