A park in a former industrial area along the Buffalo River is closing to the public for the next year for shoreline and habitat restorations.
Erie County officials say the Red Jacket Riverfront Natural Habitat Park will be closed for fishing and hiking beginning Monday. It will remain off limits to the public through next summer while crews upgrade trails and add a kayak launch and living fence line.
It is one of two Buffalo shoreline projects being funded as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Erie County received $1.9 million.
The Smith Street site is only a couple blocks south of busy South Park Avenue, yet is the most remote of the Buffalo River Parks. It is hidden from any major views by the former railroad berm (the rail bridge abutments are still visible) and is situated between two very active railroad lines.
