Work is well underway at the Outer Harbor, constructing a significant nautical-themed playground that will draw hundreds of families to a part of the city that until recently was considered a waste land.

Now, the future of this waterfront parcel looks bright. At this time, there are a number of family-friendly amenities rising from the ground, including giant picnic pavilions, a futuristic-looking playground, and Birdair shade canopies.

Last summer work crews built bathroom facilities that are located within a short walk to this park (close to Fuhrmann Boulevard – a street named after a successful Buffalo meat packer?) That means that a picnic-planned day trip to the waterfront will soon offer just about everything under the sun for the entire family, all while relaxing and enjoying a nice breeze off the lake.

According to information posted at the site, the grounds also include a foundation for future event stages, storm water infrastructure, berms to hide the parking lots, expanded and additional paths, bike racks and recreational space.

Phase 1 of the project will be completed this spring, and Phase II is slated for completion in the fall.

Construction Manager: DASNY/The LiRo Group

Contractors: Scott Lawn Yard Inc. – Sanborn, NY

Designers: Parsons Brinckerhoff – Engineers | Trowbridge Wolf Michaels – Landscape Architects | Ecology & Environment, Inc. – Environmental Engineering

Project – NYS – Governor Cuomo | Regional Director: Mark Thomas | Project Manager: Frank McCue III, RLA