"Western New Yorkers soon will be able to enjoy the natural jewel that is Lake Erie," Governor Pataki said. "This latest addition to our great State parks system will restore recreational access to Lake Erie and be an oasis for swimmers, boaters and others who enjoy the outdoors."
Funds for the $6.3 million acquisition came from the State Environmental Protection Fund. The State acquired the land from Buffalo Crushed Stone with the assistance of the Trust for Public Land.
"The preservation of valuable open space is important in our cities and urban areas, as well as in wilderness areas," Governor Pataki said. "The Buffalo area deserves a great State park, which is what Woodlawn Beach soon will become."
Commissioner Castro said, "Buffalo and Western New York have waited far too long for this site to become a first-class park," Commissioner Castro said. "Now that we have secured this priceless natural resource, we will get to work to develop Woodlawn Beach State Park and restore recreational access to Lake Erie for western New Yorkers."
The State will make the lands available for hiking and other passive recreational purposes as soon as possible, Commissioner Castro said. Development of a swimming beach will require the construction of rest rooms, bathhouses, parking and other facilities.
"I am grateful that, under the leadership of Governor Pataki, the state's acquisition of Woodlawn has finally come to fruition," Assembly Republican Leader Thomas M. Reynolds said.
"The community support we've seen since the conception of this project has been tremendous," Leader Reynolds said. "I'm pleased to have played a small role in making this day a reality as we work toward more public waterfront access for the people of Western New York."
Woodlawn Beach, located in the town of Hamburg, was a popular bathing spot from the early 1900s through World War II. Access to the beach, however, was cut off by its private owners in the 1950s.
Woodlawn Beach was identified as a priority acquisition in the State Open Space Plan, which Governor Pataki approved last fall. The plan proposes which open space and historic sites should be protected for New York?s future and describes how these resources can be managed in a sensible and affordable way.
Rose Harvey, Vice President and Regional General Manager of the Trust for Public Land, said, "The Trust for Public Land is proud to have helped return Woodlawn Beach to the citizens of Buffalo. I salute Governor Pataki and Commissioner Castro for making Woodlawn a top priority of the State's Open Space Plan. To no small degree, it was the Pataki Administration's vision and persistence that finally made Woodlawn Beach State Park a reality."
The Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit land conservation organization working to protect and enhance open space as parks, recreation areas, community gardens, historic landmarks and wilderness sites.
DEC Commissioner Michael D. Zagata said, "Local governments, residents and DEC staff should be proud that their years of dedicated work have led to this day when the water quality of Lake Erie has improved to support swimming, boating, fishing and other recreational activities."
S3585 Lake Shore Road
Blasdell�NY 14219
Description:
Woodlawn Beach State Park is a 106 acres state owned park located in the Village of Blasdell, Erie County . This park has a mile-long sand beach on Lake Erie where two creeks flow in, providing great views of local gulls, migrating shorebirds, and other birds inhabiting the woodland and freshwater dunes. Wooded wetlands boardwalk trail, visitor center and nature exhibits.