From the Buffalo News:
After years of neglect, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations has the full attention of New York State.
That means $25 million in much-needed improvements to Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest in the nation. It also signals, officials said, a return to the principles of Frederick Law Olmsted — who designed the park — and a pledge to never let it become neglected again.
The new railings, repaved paths, restored plantings and repaired bridges come one year after the park was criticized by a New York Times travel writer and a nonprofit agency for its lack of maintenance and worn-out appearance.
“Niagara Falls can’t look shabby,” State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said Tuesday at a news conference in the park. “It’s the most visible park in our state system, it’s the most popular, and we needed to address this issue.”