Niagara Falls State Park
Cave of the Winds Access Trail Renovation and Safety Improvements
Project Narrative
1. Project Description
Cave of the Winds Access Trail Renovation and Safety Improvement
The Cave of the Winds Access Trail and Observation Platforms at the base of the Bridal Veil and
American Falls are a major attraction and tourist destination within Niagara Falls State Park. They
attract over 400,000 tourists per year. Over the years, due to less than satisfactory original construction,
intensive use and extremely harsh environmental conditions, the trail, decks, platforms, railings, and
other facilities have significantly deteriorated and are in need of major renovations and safety
improvements. In preparation for this project the Niagara Region of State Parks is expending
approximately $250,000 for “rock stabilization and rock scaling” on the gorge face above the trails and
observation decks to maintain visitor safety.
This project is intended to improve and upgrade this important park feature to a “world class” attraction
consistent with its amazing location, and will consist of at least the following project components:
•
TOURIST ORIENTATION PLATFORM/SHELTER
A covered deck will be constructed adjacent to the tunnel exit where park staff will provide
tourist orientation presentations prior to proceeding to the Cave of the Winds observation decks.
This feature will protect tourists from inclement weather and bird dropping at the times of year
when the local gull colony is most active.
•
ACCESS STAIRS TO LOWER GORGE
The access stairs to the lower gorge trails will also be replaced.
•
TUNNEL PORTAL
The stone/masonry structure that covers the access tunnel exit at gorge level is deteriorated and
unsightly. Structural repairs and aesthetic upgrades will be made to the tunnel portal to greatly
improve aesthetics and help prolong the structure’s life.
•
ACCESS PATH RENOVATIONS/SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS (WALKWAY/VIEWING AREA)
The trail from the tunnel exit to the wooden observation decks will be entirely reconstructed and
upgraded. Work will include new foundations resistant to rock slide conditions, retaining wall
reconstruction, new safety railings, upgraded modular walkway/boardwalk construction with
partial canopies, lighting, and various other necessary infrastructure improvements (electrical
and water).
•
OBSERVATION PLATFORMS (AT BRIDAL VEIL/AMERICAN FALLS)
These wooden walkways and platforms are removed every fall and reinstalled every spring.
Upgrading to this existing system will be provided including structural improvements to
safeguard foundation integrity in the difficult rock slope terrain.
•
INTERPRETIVE PROGRAM
Improvements to the interpretive program in this area will include interpretive signage along the
access path and trail; the development of interpretive brochures for distribution to visitors; and
the preparation of interpretive panels to line the tunnel walls in the areas where visitors are
waiting for the elevator. A large local gull colony will be part of the exciting new program.
•
PLANNING AND DESIGN
This work will include geotechnical investigations for foundations, topographical surveys of
existing conditions, interpretive exhibit/signage/brochure preparation, and structural/architectural
design services.
2. Consistency with Key Principles, Goals and Criteria for the Niagara River Greenway
•
Extend the Legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted/Restoration – This project will upgrade the
Cave of the Winds Access Trail and observation decks to a “world class” attraction. The access
to the present viewing decks area is consistent with the historic Olmsted Plan for the Niagara
Reservation State Park and is a key component in the current plans for the historic restoration of
Goat Island.
•
Improve Access and Accessibility – This project will significantly upgrade access to the
Niagara Gorge in the Cave of Winds area. Walkway and safety improvements will extend the
length and improve the handicapped accessibility of the viewing area and some of the
observation decks.
•
Celebrate History and Heritage – The interpretive signage, brochures, and tunnel exhibits will
highlight the cultural history of the Cave of the Winds as well as the natural history of the falls
and gorge.
•
Ability to Match or Leverage Funds – The planning for this project included the application
for and approval of $250,000 in NYSOPRHP Expanded Capital Funding for Cave of the Winds
trail rock stabilization and rock scaling. This project is 75% complete via public works contract.
•
Focus Area – The project is located directly on the Niagara River adjacent to the American Falls
and provides improved and expanded access to enjoyment of the river consistent with the
Niagara River Greenway principles and vision statement.
3. Project Budget
Planning/Design/Engineering/Inspection (OPR staff)
Visitor Orientation Platform/Shelter
Tunnel Portal Renovation
Access Path Renovation (Walkway/Viewing Area)
Wooden Observation Decks (Structural/Safety Improvements)
Interpretive Signage/Brochures/Tunnel Exhibits
Construction Contingency
$ 75,000
$ 150,000
$ 100,000
$650,000
$ 50,000
$ 25,000
$ 50,000
Total (approximate)
$1,100,000
2
NOTE: The proposed project is part of the New York State Park system (Niagara Falls State
Park) and is maintained by the Niagara Region of NYSOPRHP.
4. Planning Documents / Support
The project is consistent with the Niagara Reservation State Park Master Plan and Final Environmental
Impact Statement. NYSOPRHP will respond to all new and additional comments which will be
received during the Greenway consistency public review process and will meet with interested parties on
an as-needed basis. This project is also a component of a previous Greenway Commission approved
consistency evaluation for the Goat Island Restoration Plan.
5. Environmental Setting / Existing Conditions
The project area is currently a fully developed trail/observation viewing area at the Cave of the Winds,
lower gorge area within Niagara Falls State Park. This area has been subject to heavy usage and harsh
environmental conditions, and is in need of repair or replacement of manmade physical features. Please
refer to attached photographs and conceptual plans.
6. SEQR Compliance
The project is consistent with the current park Master Plan which was subject to a final environmental
impact statement. Additional environmental assessment, study, and SHPO review will be undertaken
and coordinated through NYSOPRHP’s Resource Management Group and Environmental Management
Bureau, as necessary. For SEQR purposes (SHPO) this project will be planned and designed as a
historic rehabilitation project.
3
Project Registration Number___________
Niagara River Greenway Commission
Consultation and Review Form
Type of Review Required:
X
Mandatory Consultation
_______Voluntary Review and/or Endorsement
PROJECT SPONSOR INFORMATION
Name:
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1132, Niagara Falls
State:
NY
Federal Id#
Zip Code: 14303-0132
14-740026K
Charities Registration #_____________________
PROJECT TYPE
Check all that apply:
Environmental X
_____ Cultural
Cultural/Heritage
X Trail
X Waterfront or Land Based Development
X
Recreational
X
Land or Water Public Access
X
Educational/Interpretive
X
Signage
_____ Other - Disabled Accessibility
Project Name: Cave of the Winds Access Trail Renovation and Safety Improvements
Location: Niagara Falls State Park (at American and Bridal Falls)
Site Address: Niagara Falls
State:
NY
Zip Code: 14303-0132
Minor Civil Division(s): City of Niagara Falls
County: Niagara
Project Proponent Property Interest (own, lease, easement or other): Own
_________________________________________________________________________
AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL
Title: Director, Western District - NYSOPRHP
Name: Mark W. Thomas
Business Address: P.O. Box 1132, Niagara Falls
State: New York
Zip Code: 14303-0132
Telephone Number: (716) 278-1702
Cell Number: ______________________
Fax Number: (716) 278-1725
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
PROJECT POINT OF CONTACT
Name: Albert J. Nihill
Title: Associate Landscape Architect
Organization/Firm: NYSOPRHP – Niagara Region
Business Address: P.O. Box 1132, Niagara Falls
State: New York
Telephone Number: (716) 655-7205
Fax Number: (716) 655-7216
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
Zip Code: 14303-0132
Cell Number: (716) 628-4098