4.0 OVERALL SYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS - Erie County · Volume 1 / Park System Master Plan / 4.0 OVERALL SYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS 4-3 • Great Lakes and Niagara River Access, Shore Lands

V o l u m e 1 / P a r k S y s t e m M a s t e r P l a n / 4 . 0 O V E R A L L S Y S T E M R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S / 4 . 0 O V E R A L L S Y S T E M R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S / 4 . 0 O V E R A L L S Y S T E M R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S / 4 . 0 O V E R A L L S Y S T E M R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S / 4 . 0 O V E R A L L S Y S T E M R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S 4-1

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4.0 OVERALL SYSTEMRECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 COUNTY ROLE IN RECREATIONSERVICES DELIVERY

As a result of the demographic decline in the City of Buffalo andthe transfer of population to the outlying towns and villages,there has been pressure to have the County Parks serve morelocal active recreation functions. This trend needs to be evaluatedcarefully by the County because “active” (organized andstructured) sports recreation is expensive to provide and isgenerally outside the County’s ”Mission Statement”. Over theyears the provision of active recreation facilities has impactedthe overall appearance and quality of certain areas of the heritageparks. As well, the valuable assets of the parks - the heritagebuildings and structures and the natural environment areas -will require significant and costly management and restorationefforts over the long term.

The County should therefore focus on its core services, with anemphasis on the provision of passive, nature-oriented recreation,and only continue or expand “sports” functions if there is apartner (sports group, local municipality) that brings fundingand long-term operational management and maintenance. Theprovision of active facilities should only be undertaken in areaswhere there is no negative impact, either visually or physicallyon the parks natural areas or heritage resources. The Evans SoccerClub utilizing the Wendt Beach Soccer Fields is an example of asuccessful collaborative arrangement for sports facilities thatare located in an otherwise underutilized area of the park.

4.2 OPEN SPACE SYSTEM PLANNING

Erie County encompasses significant natural environment features,including geological formations, waterways, and forested areas. Manyof these are included within the park system. The Erie County parksystem, in conjunction with State and municipally owned lands,waterway systems and other natural areas provide the framework

Recommendation 4-1 - The County shouldfocus on its core services and only continue orexpand “sports” functions if there is a partner(sports group, local municipality) that bringsfunding and long-term operational managementand maintenance.

Recommendation 4-2 - Active sportsfunctions should only be provided where there isno detrimental impact on the natural and culturalheritage of the park and when the operation ofactive sports does not financially detract/prohibitfrom other maintenance and restoration activities,or passive recreation opportunities.

A “dry” Akron Falls (Summer 2002)

A M a s t e r P l a n f o r t h e E r i e C o u n t y P a r k S y s t e m4-2 R E N E W A L

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for a connected system of greenways, trails corridors, parks andopen space lands that support natural environment protection andrecreation purposes.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation(NYSDEC), and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreationand Historic Preservation (NYSOPRHP), have recently undertakenthe 2001 update of the New York State Open Space ConservationPlan. First prepared in 1990, the Plan identifies policies andactions for conservation of open space lands, significant naturalareas, and cultural heritage sites throughout the State. Inrecognition of growing public support for the conservation ofopen space and the underlying principles of environmental andheritage preservation, the 2001 Plan sets a strategy for workingcollaboratively and in partnership with landowners, privateorganizations, the federal government and local governmentsto identify and protect a cohesive framework of open space.Open space is defined as including agricultural lands, forests,wetlands, undeveloped shorelines, public parks, water bodies,and certain archaeological and heritage features. The Planrecognizes that conservation does not necessarily meanacquisition by public agencies.

The Open Space Conservation Plan identifies priority projects,which are deemed deserving of immediate attention from theNYSDEC, NYSOPRHP, and their partners, based on environmentalsignificance, land use patterns, and recreational and culturalresource preservation needs. The following are identifiedconservation projects, and their attributes in Erie County. Severalof the Erie County parks are located in proximity to these features(noted following).

• Eighteen Mile Creek – important migratory stopoverand corridor for songbirds, and diverse plant and animalspecies. Four rare or uncommon species, and historicobservations of State endangered reptile. (Eighteen MileCreek Park)

• Cattaraugus Creek and tributaries – the most importantLake Erie tributary for the salmonid fishery within NewYork State, supporting spawning and habitat. Alsoprovides recreational boating (canoeing and kayaking)and access to Lake Erie. (Scoby Dam)

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS ANDOBSERVATIONS FOR FUTURE MAINTENANCEAND OPERATIONS

The following are general observations made bythe planning staf f throughout the course of thestudy and during the numerous site visits madeto various park properties. These arerecommendations that apply to the operationsaspect of the parks, but impact both the futurefunction and aesthetics of the parks system.

· Consideration should be given to establishing aplant nursery on one or more of the Countyproperties. This would include selecting arelatively level, protected area for the installationof smaller tree saplings or seedlings that wouldeventually mature to a size for transplantingwithin the parks system. This is viewed as alonger term cost benefit for the ParksDepartment, rather than purchasing larger plantstock for immediate installation. Many of theoriginal park plans showed that such facilitiesexisted previously in the older county parks.

· Tree cutting should be minimized, with prioritygiven to dead or dying trees with potential fordangerous or damaging impact if they fell.Consideration should be given to establishing apolicy for replanting new trees for each treeremoved from a park.


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• Great Lakes and Niagara River Access, Shore Lands andVistas – one of the Region’s most significant naturalresources supporting the Great Lakes fishery, andmigratory waterfowl. The Niagara River is renowned asas a prime bird flyway corridor, and designated the firstGlobally Significant Important Bird Area (IBA) in theUnited States (by the National Audobon Society, USPartner Designate of BirdLife Internationl). Increasedpressure from recreational uses on the waterways isnoted. (Wendt Beach, Bennett Beach, Riverwalk, IsleView Park, Towpath, Ontario Street Boatlaunch,Buffalo River)

• Urban Wetlands – a number of wetlands havingsignificant resident and migrant wildlife habitat areidentified in Tonawanda, Lackawanna, Amherst,Cheektowaga, and Buffalo. The most significant beingthe Tifft Nature Preserve, in Buffalo, and the KlydelWetlands, in North Tonowanda. Other importantwetlands exist in the South Buffalo area near TifftNature Preserve and the Buffalo River.

Based on conservation priorities, the New York State Open SpaceConservation Plan has led to the acquisition of the followingproperties by the NYSDEC or NYSOPRHP, in Erie County. Siteswith potential implications for the Erie County park system arenoted.

• Knox Farm State Park - a 650 acre former estate ofheritage significance, to be developed for equestriantrails, hiking, and farm related education/interpretation opportunities.

• Hampton Brook Woods - an additional 56 ac.adjacent to the Town of Hamburg Hampton BrookWoods Park, and including 2,700 feet of shorelinealong 18 Mile Creek.

• Motor Island and Strawberry Island - undevelopedislands in the Upper Niagara River designated as NewYork State significant coastal fish and wildlife habitat.A state funded shoreline restoration project andrehabilitation of wetland habitat is proposed.

• Woodlawn Beach State Park - 106 ac. of land on Lake

· Consideration should be given to establishing acomposting site or facility within the parksystem, possibly one in the northern part of thecounty and one in the south. This would enablethe Parks Department to trim and cut trees, anddispose of natural debris in a manner whichwould be productive and cost-effective.

· Plant only native and hardy species of treesand shrubs within the parks. Consider non-native species only near certain structures orwithin specialty gardens.

· Keep maintenance facilities and service yardswell maintained and looking good, particularlythose that are within open view of park usersand visitors. Consideration should be given toscreen these service-related facilities whereverpossible, particularly at Chestnut Ridge Park.

· Reduce the “dumping” of garbage and naturaldebris within view of park users or nearenvironmentally sensitive areas, such as alongthe banks of Sprague Brook. Select strategic,out-of-the-way, locations for any dumping orstockpile sites; the stockpile location at EmeryPark is an example of a well-sited facility.

· Consider establishing “quiet zones” within theparks or consider identifying entire parks as“quiet parks.” This precedent has been set atother parks throughout the country to combatrowdiness and loud music from “boom-boxes” orcar stereos. Quiet zones allow for peacefulsolitude in the natural areas and a respect forother park users in picnic and other recreationareas. Exceptions would be made for specialevents, concerts or other permitted activities.


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Erie, newly developed to provide water-basedrecreation, protect/restore the sensitive duneenvironment and to serve as an interpretive/educational resource.

• The Canalway Trail - completion of the 348 mileCanalway Trail linking Lake Erie to the Hudson River,a key objective of the Canal Recreationway Plan(Ellicott Creek Park).

It will be important for the County to assist in the identificationof significant open space lands within Erie County that contributeto a regional open space system, and to work collaborativelywith the State and local municipalities on a comprehensive policyframework that supports open space conservation. The Countyneeds to take a leadership role in coordinating the servicesprovided when jurisdictions overlap. This is particularly importantalong the Niagara River, Erie Canal, Lake Erie and other majorriver or creek corridors such as Eighteen Mile Creek, where theState has interests. Leadership should be exercised where thereis a recreation resource of regional or national significance, likethe Buffalo Olmsted Parks System, intra-regional trail systems(i.e. the Erie Canalway Trail, the Seaway Trail, waterfront or river-based greenways), and ecological corridors such as the NiagaraRiver, Buffalo River and Lake Erie shoreline.

4.3 PARKS MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

To meet the County Parks mission and mandate, the focus ofpark operations and management should be on:

• preservation and restoration of cultural heritagefeatures;

• preservation and restoration of the natural systems;

• parks improvements to address safety and liabilityissues, upgrade park appearances, and enhance thepark user experience;

• environmentally responsible parks management.

Each park needs a management strategy that is tailored to the specificpark and fits into the overall Parks Classification. To ensure the

Recommendation 4-3 – The County needs to takea leadership role when planning and managingregionally significant parks resources. The Countyshould continue to support (through acquisitionand/or management), the Lake Erie Greenwayproposed along the waterfront, and regional andinter-regional trails like the Erie Canal, and theSeaway trail.

Recommendation 4-4 – The County shouldassemble a Natural Resources Inventory to be usedas the basis for decision-making in matters ofenvironmental protection, resource managementand ecological enhancement.

Recommendation 4-5 – The County should workcollaboratively with the State, local governments,private landowners to preserve waterfront lands,river and stream corridors, greenways, andsignificant natural environment areas thatcontribute to a connected county-wide system ofparks, trails, and greenways for environmentalconservation and recreation purposes.


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preservation and restoration of the natural and cultural heritagefeatures contained within the park, the management of each parkshould be based on a “zoning” system that recognizes the carryingcapacity of the park and clearly identifies: significant resourceprotection areas (both cultural and natural), areas for enhancementof ecological functions, and existing or potential facilitiesdevelopment areas.

In support of an environmentally-based park managementsystem, and to ensure the preservation of the significantbuildings and structures, there is a need to adopt morecontemporary maintenance practices, and to re-deploy or retrainsome staff with skills to restore and rebuild declining facilities.Ecological management practices would include changing themowing regimes, establishing re-naturalization strategies andimproving aquatic habitats (e.g. rehabilitating open water ponds,establishing natural riparian corridors), and limiting use ofherbicides and pesticides.

4.3.1 PRESERVATION AND RESTORATIONOF CULTURAL HERITAGE FEATURES

The Erie County heritage parks include a large number of excellentexamples of WPA structures, including the casinos, picnicpavilions, stone cairns, and shelters. Constructed with thoughtfuldesign and precise craftsmanship, the WPA structures aresignificant for their association with the history of the countyand state park system throughout the nation, and thecontributions of Depression-era work groups. Their efforts havecreated structures of lasting quality, in tune with their naturalsetting that define a style in architecture and landscape design.

These historic structures, in combination with the naturalenvironment in which they are situated, would suggest that theErie County heritage parks are worthy of consideration underthe National Register of Historic Places. In the Minnesota StatePark system, there are several examples of such designations,including:

Blue Mounds State Park - WPA era heritage resources are located ina historic district that contains four structures and one buildingconstructed along Mound Creek.

The historic WPA era structures, in combinationwith the natural environment in which they aresituated, would suggest that the Erie Countyheritage parks are worthy of consideration underthe National Register of Historic Places.



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Buffalo River State Park (Minnesota) - WPA era heritage resourcesinclude three buildings and three structures, within a 19 acrehistoric district that defines the original area of constructionthat took place in the park.

The County should consider applying for “National HistoricRegister of Historic Places” status, as designated by the NationalParks Service, for the five oldest parks. This would elevate theseparks to a new status in the region, equivalent to that bestowedon the Historic Olmsted Parks System in Buffalo (1868 - 1890s),and the Niagara Reservation State Park (1880s-1890s), in NiagaraFalls and would qualify the parks for Federal grants for historicpreservation/restoration as funding programs are available.

For designation under the “National Historic Register of HistoricPlaces,” a site must demonstrate the following characteristics:“the quality of significance in American history, architecture,archeology, engineering, and culture as present in districts, sites,buildings, structures, and objects that possess integrity oflocation, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, andassociation, are at least 50 years old, and:

• that are associated with events that have made asignificant contribution to the broad patterns of ourhistory; or,

• that are associated with the lives of persons significantin our past; or,

• that embody the distinctive characteristics of a type,period, or method of construction, or that represent thework of a master, or that possess high artistic values,or that represent a significant and distinguishable entitywhose components may lack individual distinction; or,

• that have yielded or may be likely to yield, informationimportant in prehistory or history.

Recommendation 4-6 – The County shouldcontinue to support the preservation of significantcultural heritage resources, such as the Countyheritage parks, and the Buffalo Olmsted ParksSystem, in order to ensure that these importantregional resources are adequately maintained. TheCounty should collaborate with other stakeholdersto seek senior government partners to assist infunding the ongoing operations of these facilities.

Recommendation 4-7 – The County shouldconsider applying for “National Historic Register ofHistoric Places” status for the five oldest ‘Heritage’parks: Chestnut Ridge Park, Como Lake Park,Ellicott Creek Park, Emery Park, and Akron FallsPark.

Recommendation 4-8 – The County should re-deploy or retrain certain staff to repair and restoredeclining park’s facilities, i.e. stone shelters, picnictables, steps and walkways, etc.

Recommendation 4-9 – The County shouldundertake an “adaptive re-use feasibility study” tofind appropriate and financially responsible usesfor the main casino buildings and other historicpark structures.



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4.3.2 PRESERVATION AND RESTORATIONOF NATURAL SYSTEMS

Within the Erie County Park System environmental managementstrategies will initially focus on the return of maintainedlandscape areas to a more natural state through reduced mowing.However, with the extent of parkland in a natural state, and thesignificance of the features contained within, there will also bea need to develop a long term plan for natural heritagepreservation, and to identify priority conservation or restorationprojects that require remedial action. This will require additionalstudy, and will be a long term initiative for the County. Theresource management plan should be based on a NaturalResources Inventory (see Recommendation 4-4) and detailedassessment of the features, priority areas for remediation andhabitat restoration, and appropriate management of waterresources.

The Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District (ECSWCD),a local government subdivision established under state law thatprovides natural resources conservation technical assistance toErie County residents and units of local government, should beconsulted in this endeavor, along with the United StatesDepartment of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Servicewhich provides technical assistance to the ECSWCD inimplementing programs.

4.3.3 ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLEPARKS MANAGEMENT

The use of natural landscaping and naturalization of public openspace lands is a practice that is well supported through a numberof Federal acts and regulations, and implemented at state andlocal municipal levels. Leading federal agencies are theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal HighwayAuthority (FHA). The EPA provides assistance to municipalitiesseeking to meet US Clean Water Act regulations, through theimplementation of natural planting programs. At the state levelsthe most concerted effort toward naturalization has taken placealong highway and road rights of ways, stimulated by the FHA which

Recommendation 4-10 – The County inconjunction with the Erie County Soil and WaterConservation District (ECSWCD) should undertake acomprehensive Natural Resources ManagementPlan to ensure the protection and restoration ofthe County parks natural systems.

Example of “mow - no mow” techniques along a parkroad near Lynchburg, Virgnia

Upstream from Scoby Dam


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stipulates that 25% of all highway landscaping funds must be spenton the creation and implementation of roadside naturalizationprograms. Consequently, roadside natural vegetation programs havebeen undertaken in a number of states.

At the municipal level, the City of Chicago has implemented anumber of city naturalization projects including: a parklandnaturalization strategy that focuses on the restoration of prairiegrasslands, a roadside and boulevard natural landscaping projecton Lake Shore Drive, and a comprehensive youth employmentprogram (GreenCorps Chicago) which provides landscape designand management training for school yard naturalization andgarden planting programs.

Similarly, north of the border, Ontario’s Ministry of Transportationhas had a comprehensive integrated roadside vegetationmanagement program in place for some years, incorporatingnatural landscaping principles and low maintenance practicesinto all new provincial highway designs. The origins of thenaturalization movement in Canada can be traced to the NationalCapital Commission (NCC), in Ottawa. The objectives of the NCC’slongstanding project is the restoration of roadsides, boulevards,parkland and formal open spaces in and around Ottawa, as partof its regional greenway system. In Toronto, the former MetroToronto Parks and Culture Department first developed anaturalization policy to restore and enhance the metropolitanarea valley and waterfront lands. This was later carried over toroadside and boulevard naturalization along city arterial roads,and incorporated into parks and public areas. In 1997, aNaturalization Compendium was published that includes a seriesof best management strategies, a model implementationprogram and a subsidiary roadside naturalization site selectionguide. Work has been carried on by the new City of Toronto,following its amalgamation with several surroundingmunicipalities, and in 2000 the City established a Healthy CitiesOffice which supports and promotes community and civic naturallandscaping as a part of a “green lungs” air quality improvementstrategy.

Recommendation 4-11– Adopt ecologicallysustainable maintenance practices for use in theCounty Parks.

Recommendation 4-12 – Reduce the extent ofmown areas in the parks to improve the ecologicaldiversity and quality of the parks, as well as allowthe re-allocation of staff resources and funding.Undertake the restoration of sensitive naturalfeatures and where appropriate undertakereforestation using ecological succession principles.

Recommendation 4-13 - Implement an educationprogram (staff and public) on the benefits ofsound environmental management (Refer toSection 7).

The benefits of a naturalization program are:

· Re-establish biological diversity and integrity;· Enhance wildlife habitats;· Protect and enhance environmentally significant

areas;· Establish linkages within and throughout the parkland;· Address potential and existing erosion problems;· Control the spread of invasive species;· Mitigate air and noise pollution and storm.

water runoff; and,· Promote community stewardship of natural

areas.(Toronto Parkland Naturalization Compendium, 1998)


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A move toward naturalized landscapes must be understood andpromoted as a landscape management tool whose principal goalis the restoration of ecological systems, rather than simply areduced mowing regime. Although reduced maintenance costsare a potential outcome, the adoption of a natural landscapingfor purely financial reasons undermines broader environmentalobjectives, and will generate little public support.

4.3.4 GENERAL PARKS IMPROVEMENTS

The Master Plan assessment revealed a park system that offerstremendous recreation potential, as well as a series of uniqueand memorable scenic, heritage and natural environmentresources. However time and limited financial resources havetaken their toll on some of the park’s best assets, particularly inthe heritage parks. Significant intervention is needed to ensurethat the park facilities, heritage structures, and naturalenvironment areas are protected and preserved for futuregenerations. An initial step toward this is the undertaking ofgeneral parks improvements that will improve the park userexperience and present a revitalized appearance to the parks.These activities include:

• closing and decommissioning facilities that are underutilized or present public safety and liability hazards, i.e. playground equipment, park buildings, redundant roadway or parking areas;• removing derelict structures, such as picnic shelters, that do not have heritage significance;• establishing a policy of “restoring” older heritage

structures before “building new” structureswhereever possible.

• restoring picnic shelters and replacing picnic tables.

An additional move that can be made, with modest capital investment,is the establishment of an interpretive and educational program foreach of the heritage parks, that promotes the park’s unique naturaland cultural heritage assets. For the most part, trails and facilitiesare present that will support such a program, however the trailsystems should be reviewed to ensure looped routes and improvedaccess to park ‘highlights” such as scenic lookouts and heritage

Recommendation 4-14 – Decommission under-used and derelict facilities that do not haveheritage significance. Excess parking areas, roads,picnic shelters, and parks buildings that no longerhave a role should be removed.

Recommendation 4-15 – Undertake general parkimprovements that upgrade the appearance of thepark and improve the park user experience, i.e.replace/upgrade (or remove) playgroundequipment, paint picnic shelters, replace/add picnictables.

Recommendation 4-16 – Undertake parkenhancements that make the experience more“user friendly”, and capitalize on the educationaland interpretive potential of the parks, i.e. trailsystem identification, park signage, developmentof information kiosks.

Signage for New York State Parks Regeneration Area


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features. A park signage system should be added in conjunctionwith trails maps. To facilitate both renewal and re-use of the heritagestructures, facilities such as stone picnic shelters or the numerouswell structures in both Chestnut Ridge and Emery Parks could beutilized as information kiosks, or interpretive pavilions. One or morelocation in each of the heritage parks should be selected as initialdemonstration projects. Detailed recommendations for a park signagesystem are provided in Section 7. Specific opportunities for parksimprovements, refinement of park circulation systems, and trails

development are provided in the detailed Park Master Plans.

4.4 TOURISM AND MARKETING STRATEGY

4.4.1 TOURISM POTENTIAL

Given the many changes and accomplishments that have takenplace in the Erie County Parks system since the last Master Planwas completed, it is important now to take a fresh look at theopen space and recreational opportunities for both residents ofthe County, and visitors. From waterfalls and beaches, to historicsites, golf courses and recreational trails, the Erie County ParksSystem is an incredible resource. The five parks that representthe County’s earliest land acquisitions, and the Buffalo OlmstedParks System, represent valuable reminders of the County’shistory, and warrant special efforts toward protection andpreservation. These parks, combined with the outstanding scenicqualities of Akron Falls, Emery Park and Chestnut Ridge Park,and the undeveloped parks of Eighteen Mile Creek, Hunters CreekPark and Franklin Gulf, have resulted in a park system that issecond to none within New York State. Collectively the ErieCounty parks offer a unique and marketable experience toCounty residents and visitors interested in both heritage andnature-based tourist destinations. This represents a powerfulmarketing and tourism opportunity.

However, the parks “system” is currently not well understood andhas limited profile or community awareness. Residents seem familiarwith parks that are nearby, but do not recognize the rich and complexnatural and cultural resource base that exists within the broadersystem. Visitors are not introduced to the County parks system orits attractions through general tourism information.

Collectively the Erie County parks offer a uniqueand marketable experience to County residents andvisitors interested in both heritage and nature-based tourist destinations.

RENEWAL is based on the following characteristics,which reflect the unique qualities and mandate of theErie County Park System:

RECREATION

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

NATURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION

WATERWAYS

ACCESSIBILITY

LINKAGES


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Recommendation 4-17 - Undertake a broad-based marketing program to raise awareness of the“parks system” and the rich cultural and naturalhistory found in the parks. Recognize that this is apowerful marketing and tourism opportunity.

Recommendation 4-18 - Consider creating an ErieCounty Parks System Visitors Information Center atthe centrally located Chestnut Ridge Casino.

Recommendation 4-19- Investigate partner andcross-marketing opportunities with other Counties,local municipalities, cultural heritage and recreationgroups to “package” activities to form tourismdestination excursions (e.g. park passports, takepart in a local festival, have dinner in a restaurant,stay in a local bed-and-breakfast, visit anotherpark etc.)

4.4.2 CROSS-MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES

To ensure maximum exposure for the County Park system, and tofurther promote the “heritage” and nature-based tourism (“Eco-tourism”) potential of the County Park system, opportunities forcross-marketing opportunities with other Counties and recreationproviders should be investigated. This would involve marketing linksto local and regional tourist destinations that are located within theState parks system, as well as in neighbouring Counties. Highlightedfeatures that are both present in the Erie County system, andpromoted through other sources, include fishing and birding spots,hiking and mountain biking opportunities, the Lake Erie beachesand natural areas, the Erie Canal Trail and the Buffalo and NiagaraRiver system of parks and natural areas. The County should alsoseek existing networks and publications that focus on regional tourismsuch as the “I Love New York!” program.

Once sufficient upgrades to the County park system have beenundertaken to ensure a quality visitor experience (with initialefforts focused on the heritage parks), the County shouldundertake a broad-based marketing program to raise awarenessof the park system and its cultural and natural history. This willrequire a focused marketing strategy that will extend beyondthe County’s usual publicity of the parks. In support of this, atheme of RENEWAL was adopted through the Master Planprocess to promote the resources contained within the CountyPark System, and to serve as a guide for the rejuvenation of theparks. This theme can also be used in future campaigns to fosterawareness and support by potential park partners for the parkrestoration initiatives that are to come, and be used on newmarketing materials.

To assist in a cohesive marketing of the County Park system,consideration should be given to establishing a VisitorInformation Centre in the Chestnut Ridge Park Casino, withsatellite information kiosks (utlizing heritage structures) in eachof the five heritage parks and other significant sites such as theBotanical Gardens, and Wendt Beach.DOG PARKS

Similar to other park systems all over thecountry, the Erie County Parks Department isfacing the issue of dog runs and leash laws withinthe parks. Each park system is dealing withtheir various requests in very careful, unique andsite-specif ic manners. Specif ic dog run areas or“dog parks” do not necessarily “f it” within theMission Statement for the Erie County ParksSystem for regional recreation and should beconsidered a more localized form of recreationand provided at a local park level by areamunicipalities.

The Erie County Parks System is a network ofopen spaces that cater to regional recreationaluses with emphasis on the preservation ofunique natural areas. In general, the use offences for the purpose of dog runs isdiscouraged within the parks system, however,the programmed use of certain open spaces (i.e.meadow areas) for designated leash-free dogareas may be considered. An example wouldinclude designating a specif ic time-period eachweek for dogs to run free in a controlled andmonitored manner. Such designated,programmed open spaces should be locatedaway from other high-use recreation areas andaway from roads or other potentially dangeroussituations.


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From a regional cultural and heritage tourism standpoint, cross-marketing opportunities exist between the County’s five oldest“heritage” parks (plus the Wendt Mansion) and Buffalo’sOlmsted Park System. These parks share many similarcharacteristics of historic structures and unique landscapesettings. Current marketing efforts are underway between manyof the city’s cultural organizations to share promotions andresources, including the successful “Olmsted Crescent”promotional campaign. Another cross marketing opportunityis to capture some tourist interest from visitors to Niagara Fallsand the historic Niagara Reservation State Park.

Improving dialogue on regional economic development shouldalso be sought, such as the upcoming “Framework for RegionalGrowth” proposed between both Erie and Niagara Counties. Thisopportunity could translate into better regional land-usedecisions, more joint marketing efforts, and better capitalizationon links to other area attractions, to the County’s benefit (e.g.the nearby “Falls” ).

Multi-county opportunities and cross-marketing themes thatcould be explored, in combination with the Erie County ParkSystem, include:

• Erie-Niagara - Continued Niagara River linkages,connections to the “Falls,” Erie Canalway RecreationalCorridor, Niagara River Important Bird Area (IBA),Underground Railroad, etc.

• Erie –Cattaraugus - Zoar Valley State Park, SkiCountry connections (Holiday Valley, Holimont,etc.), Underground Railroad sites, Amish Country,linkages down to Allegany State Park, etc.

• Erie-Wyoming - Linkage to Letchworth State Park,etc.

• Erie-Genesee - Linkage to Darien Lake State Park and“Six Flags” Amusement Park, etc.

• Erie-Chatauqua - Linkage to Lakeshore Recreational trail from Silver Creek and Dunkirk to the

Pennsylvania border, Chautauqua Lake, andChautauqua Institution.

The County should consider a new updated logoor mark, specifically designed for the ErieCounty Parks, that can be used for visualcommunication and “system “recognition.

New, prefered logo forthe EC Parks Department

Various other logo


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4.4.3 MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION STRATEGY

There is a need for an extensive public outreach program thatbuilds awareness of the parks system, the variety of facilitiesand the unique heritage assets. The communications strategyshould be fully coordinated and should include the Internet,media, brochures, guides, maps and comprehensive facilityidentification signage. The communication strategy needs tobe multi-faceted, easily accessible and highly visual.

Communication tools should include:

• Park system Web site;

• New Erie County Parks logo;

• Park system brochure;

• Park and trails maps; and,

• Photographic compilation of park resources for usein media releases and publications.

The existing Web site designed for the Park Master Plan, shouldserve as the basis for a new Park web site that can be accesseddirectly as well as through continued links within the Erie Countyweb site, and the Western New York Regional InformationNetwork (WNYRIN). Links should also be provided to and fromappropriate, screened and authorized interest group web sites,to facilitate information management on issues such as trailsuse, or environmental parks management.

The County should consider a new updated logo or mark, specificallydesigned for the Erie County Parks, that can be used for visualcommunication and “system “recognition. The logo should becontemporary in its graphic style, and easily translated onto variousmediums (i.e. printed matter, merchandise, T-shirts, signage), andconvey something of the heritage or scenic qualities of the parksystem. Examples of simple graphics that successfully integrate theseelements are: the symbol used by the Waterfront Regeneration Trustfor the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail markings (Ontario), and theNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

NEW LOGO

Over the course of this parks master plan study,the theme of “RENEWAL” kept the project teamfocused and on-track. Out of numerousdiscussions with private individuals, user groupsand governmental of f icials, it became veryapparent that there is much about the ErieCounty Parks System that people don’t knowabout, including even which parks are part of thesystem. Given this dilemma, the need for a newidentity for the Parks Department, or “re-branding,” became evident and thus the projectteam decided to look for a new trademark thatcould give people a renewed image of ErieCounty’s wonderful parks system.

After going through various ideas and designiterations, the project team presented a logothat seemed to capture the essence of the ErieCounty Park System. The new theme or logoincludes:

· Outline of Erie County – an easily recognizableshape to most in Western New York.

· An Oak Leaf – a popular and plentiful treethroughout Erie County and one of the longest-lived, strongest and most dominant trees in theparks.

· A landscape scene typically found in most ofthe parks, including a focal water feature andunique landscape setting.

· A color scheme representing the colors of theenvironment.

- Darker Blue representing theextensive County waterfront andnumerous waterways, creeks andponds throughout the parks system.

- Green representing the land, with itsundulating landscapes and variedtopography, forests and meadows,wildlife and significantenvironmental features.

- Lighter Blue representing the air andsky.

· Title of the Erie County Parks Department,which is simple and to the point.


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As the “renewal” of the park system takes place, the County shouldcontinue to take advantage of all opportunities to gain mediaexposure to heighten public awareness of the County Parks. Themedia outreach program would include newspaper articles on parkprojects, State and County funding announcements, and ongoingupdates to the web site information.

A Successful Media Outreach Program:

• has an important story to tell to the public and targeted market segments;• has the capacity to create your own news about the parks programs, facilities, history, and initiatives;

• has hard facts and credible spokespeople involved inthe telling of your story;• focuses on positive, successes, and initiatives;

• coordinates media releases with other non-media activities such as events in the park, volunteer recognition days, facilities/trails openings, funding announcements.

4.5 PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

It is expected, given current economic conditions, that fundingthe needed improvements and enhancements within the parkswill require not only County resources, but support from othersources (e.g. volunteer groups, the state, corporate sponsors).The County should seek partnerships amongst localmunicipalities, supporting agencies, and non-governmentorganizations with special interest in the parks. Support can beobtained at both the technical and financial level throughagencies such as the New York State Department of EnvironmentalConservation and the Erie County Soil and Water ConservationDistrict, both of whom have worked closely with the County in thepast on joint venture projects involving environmental restorationefforts.

With the County’s involvement in the Botanical Gardens andrecent discussions over the assumption of the Olmsted Parksystem, a willing partner and role model has emerged in theBuffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. The not-for-profit,

Recommendation 4-20– Design a comprehensivecommunication campaign that incorporates afresh, new park logo that is consistently used onall parks materials.

Recommendation 4-21 - Develop a Parks Systemweb site, media packages and series of bookletsand guides for park users. This could be done incooperation with the numerous groups around theCounty that are already operating parks-relatedwebsite or promoting specific park attractions. Thecurrent project Web site can be utilized as theframework for the future “Parks System” Web site.

Recommendation 4-22 - Co-ordinate the graphicmaterial with a comprehensive park signage systemto support a new visual image. A system ofinterpretive and way finding signage should bedeveloped for all parks (Refer to Section 7 forrecommendations).

Recommendation 4-23 – Continue to create andtake advantage of media opportunities, inconjunction with park events, project launches,and funding announcements, to promote theCounty Park system.

Recommendation 4-21 - Build partnerships withlocal municipalities, agencies, and non-profitorganizations, and private sector partners thatallow the County to provide a higher quality parkthan they could undertake otherwise.

Recommendation 4-19 - Harness the enthusiasmand knowledge of special interest groups andcommunity volunteers to assist in managing theparks, i.e. trails building, grooming & monitoring,environmental restoration, programming(coordinated through a Friends of Erie CountyParks).

Recommendation 4-18 - Develop workingrelationships with organizations like the Universityof Buffalo, and the Buffalo Olmsted ParksConservancy, to improve the quality of services.

The efforts of the County, and its partners, wouldbe bolstered by a newly created network ofvolunteers, cultivated through a ‘Friends of ErieCounty Parks’ program.


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CREATING A SUCCESSFULVOLUNTEER AND COMMUNITYPARTICIPATION PROGRAM

TO CREATE A COMMUNITY-BASED VISION FORDEPARTMENTAL FACILITY-PROGRAM USE ANDPARTICIPATION:

· Build ties with the community;· Determine a quality of life improvement tie with

the community;· Promote joint marketing and communications programs;· Create an alignment of facilities, programs and

services that reflects the contiguousneighborhood’s demographic and economiccharacteristics.

TO DEVELOP A COMMUNITY OUTREACH PLAN:

· Have park employees to speak at civic/publicfunctions held in communities in which theythemselves reside;

· Create mechanisms that allow communitygroups to easily become involved (in order tosolve targeted problems of the park); and

· Position the park itself as a community problemsolver

TO IDENTIFY AND DEVELOP STEWARDSHIPOPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUAL PARKOPERATIONS:

· Facilitate greater use by local groups;· Have local groups contribute to activity

programming, and park clean-up or volunteerplanting;

· Institute a “park watch” program for thereporting of problems (vandalism, misuse);

· Find ways for community groups to assist in fundraising efforts for specific projects.

TO MOTIVATE VOLUNTEERS:

· Coordinate efforts with the unions to ensure its support;· Establish challenging programs with clearly

defined goals;· Monitor and measur e success;· Acknowledge and reward volunteers with

recognition

membership-based, communityorganization grew out of the ‘Friendsof Olmsted Parks’, which was founded in 1978. The Conservancy’smission is to promote, preserve, restore, enhance, and ensure themaintenance of Olmsted-designed parks and parkways in the GreaterBuffalo area. The Conservancy is supported through membershipfees, donations, fund-raising efforts and an active volunteer program,and undertakes restoration projects, events staging, and parkprogramming.

The efforts of the County, and its partners, would be bolstered by anewly created network of volunteers, cultivated through a ‘Friendsof Erie County Parks’ program. Areas in which volunteer assistancecould be provided include environmental and cultural heritagerestoration, habitat enhancement projects, trails development andmanagement,e v e n t scoordinationand parkprogramming.An appropriatelevel ofv o l u n t e e rinvo lvementwould need tobe reviewed withthe Unions, toensure no-c o n f l i c t .H o w e v e r ,examples existof collaborationbetween Unionsand volunteerprograms inother parksystems. Oneexample is theCentral Park Conservancy in New York City, which has successfullyrestored the park’s image and quality, through concerted non-profitand volunteer run efforts.


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The Monmouth County Park System in NewJersey also of fers an excellent role model, with awell articulated system of ‘park partners’ thatincludes a Friends of the Parks, A VIP program(Volunteers in Parks), and the MonmouthConservation Foundation - a non-prof itorganization that acquires and holds MonmouthCounty’s diminishing open space until the ParkSystem or local municipality can purchase andpreserve the land. In 2000, the VIP programprovided more than 1,100 volunteers and over24,000 hours to the park system, planting trees,maintaining trails, coordinating and staf f ingevents, and serving as interpretive guides athistoric sites.

Potential volunteer groups that could provide labour, fund-raising efforts, sponsorship, or in-kind donations of productsor services include:

• schools

• religious institutions

• service agencies

• youth groups

• community associations

• college service groups

• local businesses

• professional firms

• special interest groups

Documents

4.0 OVERALL SYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS - Erie County · Volume 1 / Park System Master Plan / 4.0 OVERALL SYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS 4-3 • Great Lakes and Niagara River Access, Shore Lands