Artpark Greenway Final Application 05182010

 Artpark’s Summer Programs Support Project
•
Educate visitors on the importance of protecting ecologically and geologically significant landscapes;
•
Encourage public access to a natural resource;
•
Provide opportunities to teach young people about the arts, theater, and music as well as the associated
challenges of restoration and open space protection;
•
Protect and enhance those scenic, historic and cultural resources, which are readily identifiable as
valued parts of the common heritage of New York's citizens; by facilitating convenient access to the
Niagara River and Erie Canal; and,
•
Maintain the critical natural-resource-based industries, recreation, and tourism.
Project Registration Number___________
Niagara River Greenway Commission
Consultation and Review Form
Type of Review Required:
________Mandatory Consultation
___X____Voluntary Review and/or Endorsement
PROJECT SPONSOR INFORMATION
Name:
Town of Lewiston
Mailing Address:
1375 Ridge Rd
State:
Lewiston, NY
Zip Code: 14092
Federal Id#
16-6002298
Charities Registration # (N/A)
PROJECT TYPE
Check all that apply:
__X__ Environmental
___ X __ Cultural/Heritage __ X __ Land or Water Public Access
___X__ Cultural
______ Trail
___X__ Educational/Interpretive
__X___Waterfront or Land Based Development
____ Signage
__ X __ Recreational
__X___ Other (live entertainment)
Project Name:
Artpark’s Summer Programs Support Project
Location:
Earl W. Brydges Artpark State Park
Site Address
450 South Street, Village of Lewiston
State:
NY
Minor Civil Division(s):
County:
Niagara
Zip Code: 14092
Village of Lewiston/State Park
Project Proponent Property Interest (own, lease, easement or other):
Other: Artpark is a State park on NYPA property, operated by the NYSOPRHP, under a
long-term agreement with NYPA.
AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL
Name:
Mr. George Osborne
Business Address:
State:
Title:
President, Artpark & Company, Inc.
450 South Fourth Street, Lewiston
NY
Zip Code: 14092
Cell Number:
Telephone Number:
(716) 754-9000
Fax Number:
(716) 754-2741
E-Mail Address:
[email protected]
N/A
PROJECT POINT OF CONTACT
Name:
Mr. George Osborne
Title:
President
Organization/Firm:
Artpark & Company, Inc.
Business Address:
450 South Fourth Street, Lewiston
State:
NY
Telephone Number:
(716) 754-9000 Cell Number:
Fax Number:
(716) 754-2741
E-Mail Address:
[email protected]
Zip Code: 14092
N/A
PROJECT NARRATIVE
Please attach material, which responds to the follow five items in the order that they are
presented.
1. In a brief paragraph, describe the project and its purpose, how and when it will be
accomplished, and why it is important.
Artpark is requesting $160,000 in funding to support the venues’ popular Summer Programs that
attract visitors to experience the grandeur of the Niagara Gorge in a park setting and to provide a
platform for the performing and visual arts that serves and supports the local economy. Artpark
hosts free outdoor concerts on Tuesday and Wednesday nights with internationally recognized
performers. Artpark also hosts several educational camps for kids throughout the summer who
are interested in the arts, theater, and playing music. During the summer Artpark also hosts
Family Saturdays for families to flock to Artpark for hours of hands-on discovery and fun with
weekly themed workshops, which include traditional art activities such as pottery, face-painting,
the colorful 'costume closet' and much more.
Due to recent cuts in state funding, financial assistance is needed to support the promoters who
attract popular, well-known artists to perform at the Summer Concerts and who plan the Special
Programs that attract visitors to experience the grandeur of the Niagara Gorge in a park setting
and to provide a platform for the performing and visual arts that serves and supports the local
economy.
Artpark is a visual and performing arts destination (located within a NY State Park) located in
the Village of Lewiston in the northwest corner of Niagara County along the Lower Niagara
River. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1998, Artpark is rich in the histories of
Native Americans, Pioneers and early Americans. It is the site of the original "Portage" routes
through the Great Lakes and is also the site of the Hopewell Indian Burial Mound (160 A.D.). In
addition, Artpark is a National Audubon Society bird site and is also used for picnicking, hiking
and fishing.
Artpark, with its 150 acres that feature a 2300 seat Mainstage Theater with adjacent lawn seating
area (1800 capacity) and an Upper Park Outdoor amphitheater, is most renowned for being
dedicated to serving the visual and performing arts for over 35 years as reflected in Artpark’s
Mission Statement: “Artpark & Company produces and presents excellence in the performing
and visual arts, and creates unique cultural experiences in a casual, natural setting. Artistic
talent is nurtured and allowed to flourish in an atmosphere that is entertaining, educational and
interactive for Artpark visitors.”
This project is a major factor in the economic vitality of the community, as Artpark brings over
500,000 visitors annually (increasing each year) to the Village of Lewiston and is a key theme
for local businesses with an influx of dollars to restaurants, retail stores, hotels, as well as real
estate. The economic impact also affects the Village’s parts suppliers, vendors, and contractors.
Artpark provides youth employment by hiring summer staff, actors, technicians, maintenance
workers and guides.
The benefits to the taxpayer for this venue of recreational tourism result from expenditures
reliant on local visitors and artists associated with travel, lodging, eating, retail and service
businesses. These expenditures support jobs, personal income, and government revenue. The
pooling of resources of over 34 sponsors has continued to support the growth of Artpark.
However, due to the substantial increase in State budget cuts, aid from the State is no longer
available and thus the need for commitment from private businesses and sponsors has become
critical in order for Artpark to continue to offer events for the community.
2. Referring to the Niagara River Greenway Plan, clearly document and describe how the
proposed project will advance the Niagara River Greenway vision including the goals, principles,
and criteria that define that vision.
Niagara Greenway Vision Statement:
The Niagara River Greenway is a world-class corridor of places, parks and landscapes that
celebrates and interprets our unique natural, cultural, recreational, scenic, and heritage
resources and provides access to and connections between these important resources while
giving rise to economic opportunities for the region.
Artpark thrives on smart growth, natural resource protection, and its forefront with energy
conservation. This Park was created from recycled soils from NYPA's excavation of its reservoir
dams, creating a picturesque park that serves as a backdrop for artistic expression and
development. The open space, natural and cultural heritage, recreation, and state-of-the-art
entertainment that Artpark provides to the surrounding community are key resources in attracting
visitors from outside the local area that stimulate the local economy.
The Artpark Summer Programs Assistance Project will promote the planned series of events for
the summer of 2010, and will bring the Niagara River Greenway to the forefront of the media,
locals and tourists as it celebrates this world-class corridor of places, parks and landscapes. Due
to the diversity of the programming, the events will celebrate and interpret the areas’ unique
natural, cultural, recreational, and scenic and heritage resources while providing access to
connections between these important resources. The events themselves will provide vital
economic opportunities to the region and the Village of Lewiston with the increased involvement
by locals as well as encouraging more visitors to the region and media attention.
Artpark’s Summer Programs Support Project incorporates several goals, principles, and criteria
of the Niagara River Greenway Commission and the project will support an accessible, unified,
environmentally friendly, and revitalized corridor to improve the experience of many visitors and
that highlights the natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historic significance of the Niagara
River Greenway.
This project, therefore, reflects the Niagara River Greenway Vision of celebrating our natural,
cultural, recreational, scenic, and heritage resources. By supporting these resources, the area will
benefit from the economic opportunities derived thereafter.
These goals are as follows:
GOALS
Make Connections and Improve Access
Artpark is an international destination for those seeking both recreation and the visual and
performing arts. Hundreds of thousands of visitors each year attend Artpark events from all over
Western New York and Southern Ontario. Artpark’s mission is to continue its success in
attracting people from all over the region with facilities that are safe, useful, and accessible for
all. This project will enable Artpark & Company, Inc. to continue providing the world-class
entertainment and cultural programs that visitors have come to expect. It will further draw
international visitors from neighboring Canada, and many of Artpark’s scheduled summer
Special Events will draw its visitors into the surrounding community. For example, Artpark
plans to host the Niagara Wine Trial Wine & Culinary Festival in late July that will connect
visitors to the many wineries across the Niagara Wine Trail that contribute to the culture,
heritage, and economic vitality of the region. As a result from this project, the Niagara River
Greenway will see an increase in connectivity and access (trails, pathways, parks, water access),
as well as further promote the continuity of open space and habitats, and will provide for
connections to related corridors and resources across the region, with the highlight event
focusing on the important connections at the international border with Canada.
Celebrate History and Heritage
Artpark is located in a unique, pristine setting at the base of the Niagara Escarpment on the
Niagara River. Artpark possesses a rich history, as it was the gateway for traders during colonial
America where they would begin their portage from the Lower Niagara River to the Upper
Niagara River. The natural geography on which Artpark is now situated was recently
reconfigured as a result of the construction of a nearby Niagara Power Authority project. This
project will celebrate the Greenway’s local history, diversity, cultural resources, and the natural
and built environments, and will share this diverse tradition by ensuring that Artpark may
continue its 35-year tradition of providing the world-class entertainment for the visual and
performing arts with local residents and the 500,000+ annual visitors to the region.
Promote Long Term Sustainability
The assistance that this project will provide to Artpark & Company, Inc. will ensure that the
Park’s 35-year tradition of providing world-class entertainment for the visual and performing
arts, as well as for planning programs for children and families, will continue to serve the local
community and visitors to the region. Assistance from the Niagara Greenway Commission will
encourage additional local sponsors to participate in sustaining these programs for the long-term.
Spark Revitalization and Renewal
Artpark generates millions of dollars annually in revenue and expenses through its various
programs, shows, and concerts. By increasing the attractiveness of the performers, Artpark &
Company, Inc. will increase visitors’ satisfaction with the facility which in turn will result in
repeat visitation. Visitors to Artpark are also customers to the many local bars, shops, and
restaurants in Lewiston. Improving Artpark is also an effort to improve the economic
revitalization of the Town and Village of Lewiston.
Extend Olmstead’s Legacy
Frederick Law Olmsted’s vision to leave a connection of parks and open spaces available is
realized in the Town of Lewiston’s Artpark. Artpark gives visitors to the area access to the
Niagara Gorge and Niagara River. The natural landscaping preserves the integrity of the green
open space albeit very close to developed and commercial areas.
GUIDING PRINCIPALS
The implementation of Artpark’s Summer Programs Support Project will meet the guiding
principles of the Niagara Greenway Commission as follows:
Excellence
With its location on the Lower Niagara River, Artpark offers spectacular views of the scenic
vistas of the Niagara Gorge from atop of the access stairways. Artpark’s Summer Concerts and
Programs by their very nature fully support and implement the vision of the Niagara River
Greenway and its principles, goals, and criteria. The longstanding traditions of Artpark’s events
highlight the principle of excellence. It will show to the international community that the
existing Greenway resources are globally significant and that Greenway projects meet world
class standards. The Town of Lewiston is dedicated to supporting the excellence of Artpark in it
efforts to combine the natural beauty of the Niagara River front to its recreational and cultural
programs. This project by its very nature fully supports and implements the Niagara River
Greenway Plan’s operative principles, goals, and criteria by highlighting the goal of excellence.
Accessibility
While this project does not facilitate physical access to Artpark and its facilities, it will provide
the funding required to offer the communities’ youths and their families access to educational
programs and events otherwise unavailable during the summer months. Artpark prides itself in
providing the world-class entertainment that it has offered for over 35 years. However, equally
important to Artpark’s mission is to provide youths with access to learn about the arts, theater,
and music. With the proposed funding assistance, Artpark will offer five, five-day Summer
Camps in addition to the other Special Events, such as the Niagara Wine Trail Wine & Culinary
Festival, that encourage visitors to the region to access the one-of-a-kind Niagara Wine Trail,
thus fulfilling principle of accessibility. The programs available to the public at Artpark are as
varied as the people of the area. In addition to the performances, there are nature activities,
hiking, fishing, etc. The variety of activities and concerts are free to all people regardless of age.
Sustainability
This Greenway project will be designed to promote ecological, economic, and physical
sustainability for long-term viability and effectiveness. By supporting Artpark’s Summer
Concerts, the Lewiston promotes itself economically and thereby supports the Greenway’s goal
of Sustainability for long-term viability and effectiveness.
Authenticity
This project has authenticity inherent in its very character. By making this donation to Artpark,
The Town of Lewiston clearly establishes a clear sense of “place” and identity that reflects the
traditional spirit and heritage of the area. The project undoubtedly connects to the character,
culture. and history of our region and highlights the successes thus far.
Celebration
The very nature of this project encompasses many points of Celebration. This project is for a
donation to Artpark, which is a cultural Mecca of visual and musical arts. The performances are
diverse in type and genre. The location is a man-made park environment; the very essence of
Artpark is to attract, educate, and entertain visitors and local residents thus building social
interactions and shared experiences.
Connectivity
This project will enable Artpark & Company, Inc. to continue providing the world-class
entertainment and cultural programs that visitors have come to expect. It will further draw
international visitors from neighboring Canada, and many of Artpark’s scheduled Summer
Concerts and Special Events will draw its visitors into the surrounding community. As a result
from this project, the Niagara River Greenway will see an increase in connectivity and access
(trails, pathways, parks, water access), as well as further promote the continuity of open space
and habitats, and will provide for connections to related corridors and resources across the
region, with the highlight event focusing on the important connections at the international border
with Canada.
Public Well-Being & Community Based
The Artpark facility, in general, is a community resource that has been in popular demand (and
drastically increasing) for summertime cultural events, access to the scenic views of the Niagara
Gorge, as well as access to recreational, hiking and fishing opportunities of the Niagara
Escarpment and Lower Niagara River that benefit the overall well-being of the public. Artpark
has recently undertaken the effort to improve access by installing new, safer stairways and have
embarked on additional planning efforts to provide improvements to the Artpark facility such as
the amphitheater, viewing area, infrastructure improvements, and ADA-compliant facilities that
will continue to satisfy community interest in the facility for all. Artpark is one of the main
resources for economic development into the area by promoting local businesses and restaurants
that generates millions of dollars annually to the ten of thousands of visitors to Artpark. This
project’s request for funding will ensure that Artpark continues providing the world-class
entertainment and educational programs that are based on the interests of the community and
which support Artpark tradition and mission to, “Produce and present excellence in the
performing and visual arts, and creates unique cultural experiences in a casual, natural setting.
Artistic talent is nurtured and allowed to flourish in an atmosphere that is entertaining,
educational and interactive for Artpark visitors.”
As a community-based Project the Artpark Planning Committee, formed by the Village and
Town of Lewiston, assisted in planning for the project which strongly reflects the preferences
and plans of the local businesses while respecting other stated goals and the communal vision of
the Niagara River Greenway. We believe that our proposal to the Niagara River Greenway
Commission is in total configuration and is consistent with the Niagara River Greenway Plan’s
vision, operating principles, goals, and criteria.
In addition to the artistic aspects of Artpark, Public Well-being is available by providing a
walking trail, on shore fishing piers, sightseeing vistas, bird watching, and hiking to enjoy
nature. The Niagara River Region offers some of the best freshwater fishing in the world.
Sunsets are uncommonly beautiful in this area, as to the West, lays the Canadian shore.
CRITERIA
Through the Artpark Summer Programs Support Project, Artpark & Company, Inc. meets
the following criteria of the Niagara River Greenway Plan:
Priority Status
The Artpark facility provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, historical interpretation,
appreciation of the arts, live entertainment, and community gatherings. Artpark’s capability of
offering its Summer Programs and world-class entertainment that visitors have become
accustomed to are vital to the continued success of the facility.
Focus Area
The educational and special programs, events, camps, and world-class entertainment that Artpark
has offered to the community for 35 years clearly place this project within the focus area of the
Niagara Greenway. Artpark’s programs help to establish both the physical and interpretive
connections between the River and the surrounding area throughout the Summer-long scheduled
events and activities.
Environmental Soundness
Along with the world-class entertainment that the funding from this project will support,
additional festivities will significantly benefit from the support of the Niagara River Greenway
Commission. One of the highlights for the summer of 2010 is the two-day Niagara Wine Trail
Wine & Culinary Festival that will showcase wineries from the Niagara Wine Trail USA, cuisine
from local restaurants, and live music. Most importantly this event will showcase the longstanding local tradition of wine making and culinary skills and livelihoods that are dependent
upon the farming and agriculture of the region.
In addition, Artpark thrives on smart growth, natural resource protection, and its forefront with
energy conservation. This 150 acre Park was created from recycled soils from the Niagara
Power Authority's excavation of its reservoir dams. As part its lease agreement with NYS Parks,
Artpark will use biodegradable products whenever possible in the preparation of the foods and
beverages.
Economic Viability and Local Sponsor
ArtPark brings over 500,000 visitors annually to Lewiston and has been steadily growing over
the past seven years. It provides local businesses with an influx of dollars to restaurants, retail
stores, hotels, and real estate. The economic impact also affects the Village’s parts suppliers,
vendors and contractors. To support the Summer Concerts and Special Events and Programs,
Artpark provides youth employment by hiring summer staff, actors, technicians, maintenance
workers and guides (Artpark’s workforce is bolstered by nearly 100 seasonal employees, a 50-
member musical production cast, national and international performers, various regional artisans,
and support from 350 volunteers). This staff greatly enhances Artpark’s ability to work with
limited-available funds to offer programs with a scope and quality that fosters a positive
reputation in the ever changing marketplace of the performing and visual arts. Although more
than 34 private businesses and foundations donate over $500,000 annually to support Artpark’s
events, the cuts in state funding have created a need for additional support in order to maintain
Artpark’s world-class standards in providing education opportunities and entertainment for the
visual and performing arts.
Matching Funding/Leveraging
The NYSOPRHP currently has a long-term agreement with the NYPA for use and maintenance
of the Artpark facility. The NYSOPRHP also has agreements with Artpark and Company, Inc.
for day-to-day operations and maintenance of the theater complex.
Consideration of Other Planning Efforts
The Artpark facility and its programs are consistent with the goals and vision of the Town of
Lewiston’s LWRP and its Comprehensive Plan.
Clear Benefits
This project has clear benefits to the Niagara River, the Niagara River Greenway and the stated
vision of the Greenway as a world class corridor. Hundreds of thousands of arts patrons, hikers,
walkers, fishermen and sightseers visit the Artpark every year, and is an ever increasing trend.
Anything that can be done to increase the enjoyment of their visit will support the quality of life
for activities in the context of the Lower Niagara River and its Greenway. Artpark’s world-class
entertainment, free concerts, and Special Programs and Events will draw even more visitors in
and convince others to return for repeat visits, thus providing economic benefits to the Village of
Lewiston and lessening tax burdens on the Village’s residents. Live entertainment and Artpark’s
summer concert series are a main attraction during summer months, and the funding that this
project would provide will further aid Artpark and its facilities in attracting larger, well-known
artists to perform for concert goers.
3. Define the budget for the proposed project and include costs for the following:
Planning
$ ___n/a__________
Construction
$ ___n/a____
Acquisition
$ ___n/a__________
Administration
$ ___n/a__________
Operation and Maintenance / Year
$ ___160,000__________
TOTAL PROJECT COST is BUDGETED
$ ___ 160,000 _____
4. Describe the measures taken at the local level to gain community and government support for
this project (hearings, petitions, public surveys, resolutions of support or other methods). If this
project has been cited or described in a local planning document or some equivalent thereof,
attach copies of that documentation highlighting the sections that are relevant to the proposed
project. Describe the role of municipal agencies, stakeholder groups, consultants, volunteers or
others who will be involved in the proposed project.
This project is to request funding for the Summer Programs, Special Events, and fee LIVE
Entertainment provided to Artpark’s visitors. Artpark & Company, Inc. will respond to any new
and additional comments which may be received during the Greenway consistency review
process and will meet with interested parties on an as needed basis. This project will provide
excellent opportunities for environmental and geological education, outreach, and community
involvement. Once completed, this project will:
1) Educate visitors on the importance of protecting ecologically and geologically significant
landscapes;
2) Encourage public access to a natural resource;
3) Provide opportunities to teach young people about the arts, theater, and music as well as the
associated challenges of restoration and open space protection;
4) Protect and enhance those scenic, historic and cultural resources, which are readily
identifiable as valued parts of the common heritage of New York's citizens; by facilitating
convenient access to the Niagara River and Erie Canal; and,
5) Maintain the critical natural-resource-based industries, recreation, and tourism.
Describe and document the environmental setting and existing conditions at the proposed project
site. If you are not the owner of the property include a letter(s) or resolution(s) evidencing
support for the project by the owner. Provide photographs, conceptual plans and drawings that
show the site as it presently exists and the how the site will change with the addition of the
proposed project. Describe how your project will comply with the State Environmental Quality
Review Act (SEQRA). The existence of wetlands, significant upland and aquatic habitats, and
plant or animals species that are classified as rare, threatened, or endangered should be noted.
Explain how such natural resources will be protected and / or enhanced. Cite any relevant
project related studies.
Artpark’s programs and events take place throughout the Niagara corridor on U.S. side of the
Niagara River. Artpark is a visual and performing arts destination (located within a NY State
Park) located in the Village of Lewiston in the northwest corner of Niagara County at the base of
the Niagara Escarpment and on the banks above the Lower Niagara River. As a National
Historic Landmark, Artpark with its 150 acres that feature a 2300 seat Mainstage Theater with
adjacent seating lawn (1800 capacity) and an Upper Park Outdoor amphitheater, has been
dedicated to serving the visual and performing arts for over 35 years. The Mainstage lawn
seating area not only provides outdoor seating for live stage concerts and performances, but also
affords spectacular sunset views of the Lower Niagara River, Niagara Peninsula, Niagara
Escarpment, Niagara Gorge, the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge and the Niagara and Sir Adam
Beck Power Projects.
The SEQR process is not applicable to this funding request.
The proposed funding will allow Artpark to continue its tradition of providing residents of
Lewiston and the surrounding community with educational programs, Special Events, and live,
world-class performing and visual arts.
Artpark Amphitheater / Viewing and Seating Areas
Aerial View of Artpark
Aerial View of Artpark from Canadian Side
Aerial View of Typical Concert
Lateral View of Concert, no defined walkways with
limited viewing
Aerial View of Artpark and Niagara River Gorge
Obstructed View of typical concert, note no
pathways