Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York Gov. Kathy Hochul was in Buffalo on Thursday to celebrate the re-opening of the new-and-improved Buffalo Harbor State Park along the city's Outer Harbor. The park is set to re-open to the public officially on Friday.
The newly renovated park, that took around two years to complete and cost around $50 million, includes a new "sprayground", a signature art sculpture and fountain highlighted by a buffalo composed of several birds found native to the area, enhanced accessible playground, café/retail space, public restrooms and park office.
Hochul says the improvements expand affordable recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike, and add further energy to Buffalo’s waterfront.
“The new and improved Buffalo Harbor State Park boasts new features that will help every member of the family to ‘Get Offline and Get Outside’ in a fun, welcoming and accessible environment,” said Hochul on Thursday. “The only State Park in the City of Buffalo is a world-class destination to experience the beauty of our Lake Erie waterfront, and I encourage visitors throughout Western New York and beyond to come out and enjoy it this summer.”
.@GovKathyHochul says the newly revitalized Buffalo Harbor State Park is a resource for residents of Buffalo, Erie County and all of Western New York. She adds this is the culmination of an effort that several local leaders committed to for several years. pic.twitter.com/d8vZhb5sAT
— WBEN NewsRadio 930AM (@WBEN) May 21, 2026
The 6,700-square-foot sprayground is designed with multiple zones for different age groups and features 162 water elements — including spray jets, misting arches and a dumping bucket. The sprayground includes a number of sustainable design elements, including a specially designed concrete to minimize heat accumulation on play surfaces and will treat and recirculate 11,000 gallons of water per minute to reduce the amount discharged into the city wastewater system.
The sprayground will be open 11 a.m.-to-8 p.m. daily, weather permitting.
The centerpiece of the project is the signature buffalo sculpture by artist Ai Qiu Hopen. The sculpture is composed of 2,000 individual stainless-steel birds representing 15 bird species native to New York State. Together, the birds form an open stainless-steel buffalo, measuring 18 feet wide and 13 feet tall.
pic.twitter.com/iy3ZsJbHnl
— WBEN NewsRadio 930AM (@WBEN) May 21, 2026
The unique artwork symbolizes how individual acts of compassion and connection come together to create collective strength — and reflects the shared humanity that unites communities. The sculpture is expected to become a featured attraction and popular gathering point along Buffalo’s waterfront.
Additional improvements include:
- An expanded playground including universally accessible elements, featuring swinging, spinning and zip-line elements
- Dedicated space for food trucks
- A fully electric café and retail space, park office with public restrooms and multi-use space
- Native plantings throughout the park
- Updated park furnishings, including pergola swings overlooking the harbor
With the Great Lakes Cruises set to make its way to Buffalo for the first time this year, Hochul encourages residents in the city to showcase all it has to offer, including the new Buffalo Harbor State Park. pic.twitter.com/ZY2wnfpbQ5
— WBEN NewsRadio 930AM (@WBEN) May 21, 2026
The new park includes a "sprayground", buffalo art sculpture and fountain
The new park includes a "sprayground", buffalo art sculpture and fountain
