Amherst, N.Y. (WBEN) - "We are engineering right now for next year's start of construction," said Amherst Town Supervisor Brian Kulpa about development of Amherst Central Park in a WBEN interview on Tuesday.
The former Westwood Country Club property is a long abandoned golf course and park between Sheridan Drive and Maple Road in the town.
"We're looking at starting in April or May of next year, maybe earlier if we get lucky with snow and frost, for construction," he said.
The project will go before the town planning board next week and will be subject to an environmental review in the next few months.
Park amenities include a 31,000 square-foot theater, which will be occupied by MusicalFare. There will be a skateable ice ribbon, (in winter months) splash pad (in summer months), trails, and a community building.
"We've got the wind in out sails," noted Kulpa. "We own it. We've received funding from a number of sources."
The property consists of 170 acres. The town completed it's purchase of Westwood Country Club for $7.75 million earlier in the spring.
"We're really focused on the first 50 acres near Sheridan. The northern portions are going to remain preserved as park land. There are wetlands and wildlife there. That area will stay natural."
The former Westwood clubhouse is also expected to be renovated.
"It's going to be a wonderful blend of having some cultural elements on the south side, and having natural spaces in the north. The 170 acres of park space is unlike anything this community has currently," added Kulpa.