A fierce wind storm last May led to the collapse of a civil-war era carriage barn at DeVeaux Woods State Park in Niagara Falls. Bricks from the remains will be used in the construction of a new comfort station that will take its place.
Ground was broken early Wednesday morning on the project and it’s expected to be completed by early fall. Niagara River Greenway Executive Director Greg Stevens said this addition to the park will contribute to a much larger system.
“If you’re going to encourage people to spend time outdoors, in public places, you need public facilities. You also want them to go in town and have a cup of coffee. Buy a beer and have lunch. But if you’re out bicycling along, you need a place to stop and use the restroom,” he said.
Stevens said they’re trying to connect all of their green spaces.
“What we’ve learned (at) Greenway is that you can’t predict what people want to do outdoors. You have to give them the opportunity to follow their passions," he said. "We decided something for bicyclists, but we find out the rollerbladers want to use it. Or we think people want to come and quietly read a book, then they’re playing a violin.”
The new facility will cost $600,000 and is being funded by the Niagara River Greenway Commission. The former carriage barn was originally used to provide orphan boys with military training.
