Ohio Street Boat Launch & Regatta Re-Opens

October 19, 2023

Watts was part of the project team that worked towards enhancing the Ohio Street Boat Launch. It's part of the "Buffalo Blueway", located along the right side of the Buffalo River, 1.5 miles upstream of the river’s mouth and between the Buffalo Scholastic Rowing Association property to the north and the Buffalo River Landing Apartments to the south. The NYSDEC maintains the property for fishing access and for hand launching of canoes and kayaks along the Buffalo Urban Canoe Trail.

The purpose of this project was to expand and enhance an existing public access facility along the Buffalo River waterfront to encourage paddling, boating, fishing, and passive recreation. This improved access area will connect the water-based Blueway trail system to landside Greenway trail systems. According to Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, these sites include Wilkeson Point, Buffalo Riverworks, Ohio Street Boat Launch, Mutual Riverfront Park, Red Jacket Riverfront Natural Habitat Park, Bailey Peninsula (Future – Ralph Wilson Centennial Park, Watts is also part of this project), Harlem Fishing Access Point and Launch, Seneca Bluffs Natural Habitat Park (Watts' involvement). 

The details of the upgrades and renovations to this green & blue space were carefully considered, ensuring native species would continue to thrive and play a role in the natural ecosystems of this park. 

Check out the Buffalo Rising article highlighting some of the upgraded features: New Look: NYSDEC Ohio Street Boat Launch - Buffalo Rising