The Niagara Falls State Park Transformation Initiative restored a popular public space with new attractions and improved utilities. After years of disrepair, T.Y. Lin International (TYLI) and the New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation coordinated more than 16 interconnected projects across more than 400 acres to enhance the park. The groups improved behind the scenes utility, mechanical, and stormwater infrastructure in addition to public-facing attractions, buildings, lighting, and pedestrian/traffic routes. The park managed to stay open throughout the entire improvement process.
“State parks have a monumental impact on the economic stability, resilience, and health of our communities,” said Jean-Louis Briaud, Ph.D., 2021 ASCE President. “Restoring a project of this magnitude is one of many ways that civil engineers can enhance the natural environment in addition to the built environment, all while creating a more attractive community for residents and tourists. These improvements will serve as a major draw for New Yorkers for years to come.”
“Our work has already resulted in America’s oldest state park becoming the most attended park in the New York state system,” said Frank T. McCue, III, Niagara Falls State Park Transformation Initiative Project Manager. “Now our work has been recognized by our peers as exemplary, which serves to confirm that not only did we assemble the right team, but we did the right thing for one of America’s most iconic landmarks.”
