The PBA will be expending approximately $300,000 in a complete renovation of the park. The project will involve planting over 30 trees in the park, replacing the chain link fence with a decorative steel fence, upgrading and adding to the playground facilities, installing new picnic tables and benches, and creating additional pathways through the park. The improvements to the park will enhance its status as the gateway to the Columbus Parkway neighborhood and standout as a beautiful park for use by its neighbors and to welcome visitors coming from the Peace Bridge.

“The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority’s adoption of Pat Sole Park is another sign of the cooperative relationship between the City of Buffalo and the Authority. I’m extremely pleased the Authority will be making physical improvements to the park, a site which provides a key first impression to those entering the U.S. over the Peace Bridge. Not only will it be a welcoming visual attraction, it will also provide green and play space for residents of the Columbus Park neighborhood,” Mayor Byron W. Brown said.

Council Member David A. Rivera stated: “I was pleased to approve this agreement between the City and the PBA. Pat Sole Park has always been a frequently used park by families in the neighborhood and they deserve to play in and enjoy a beautiful park. I thank the PBA for their investment in the community and Mayor Brown and his administration for supporting the adoption of Pat Sole Park by the PBA.”

PBA Chairman Sam Hoyt said: “The improvements to Pat Sole Park are part of a larger $2 million Adaptive Landscape Management Plan being undertaken by the PBA to improve the aesthetics and air quality of the neighborhood adjacent to the Peace Bridge. We are proud to participate with the City of Buffalo in improving the quality of life for the Columbus Park neighborhood residents”

Improvements to Pat Sole Park are expected to be completed by mid-December, 2016. The agreement between the PBA and the City also includes the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of Pat Sole Park by the PBA.

CONTACT: Sean Mulligan
Chief of Staff to Council Member David Rivera / Buffalo Common Council - Niagara District

W: 716-851-5125 / Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority

The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, a binational bridge authority, has owned and operated the Peace Bridge since 1933. The bridge, which was opened to traffic in 1927, spans the Niagara River between Fort Erie, Ontario, and Buffalo, New York, and is a key international border crossing.

###