Memorial breaks ground for Schoellkopf Park revitalization

The $455,000 restoration of Schoellkopf Park is officially under way.

Schoellkopf family members, representatives from the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center, Niagara Falls Community Development officials and area block club members were on hand June 5 as Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center formally broke ground for the revitalization what was once the city's largest and most beautiful park.

The three-year project will restore Schoelkopf Park to its former splendor and serve as the centerpiece of a larger project designed to bring new life to the entire neighborhood.

Located on Pine Avenue at Portage Road in Niagara Falls, the park is adjacent to the Schoellkopf Health Center on the Memorial Medical Center campus.

Memorial President & CEO Joseph A. Ruffolo credited Mayor Vince Anello, the Department of Community Development and the City Council, along with the NACC and the graduate School of Architecture and Urban Development at the University at Buffalo, for their help in creating a vision of what the neighborhood should become.

"That vision includes the ongoing demolition of dilapidated buildings, extensive construction of new market value housing, enhanced green space, commercial development and a greatly expanded parking capacity to support the medical and arts corridor that is already growing all around us," Ruffolo said.

The City of Niagara Falls has committed $125,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to complete Phase One, which will include the finalization of plans, re-grading and the installation of walkways. Phase One begins today.

Phase Two, which will include plantings and the installation of a fountain, lighting, security and irrigation systems, will begin as soon as funds are available.

The Medical Center Foundation - the hospital's development arm – is seeking grant funding and will conduct a community campaign to support the cost of plantings, benches, walkways, lighting and design. Donors will have the opportunity to fund benches, plantings, bricks and other amenities that will acknowledge their contributions.

"We are especially encouraged by the endorsement this vision has received from our neighbors and the local block clubs. That grassroots support will ensure our vision becomes a reality," Ruffolo said. "The vision is real and it is achievable. The reality of that achievement begins today."