Yeah, it was a long winter… for some and (not so much) others. Actually, I didn’t mind this winter for the most part [ducks], and apparently there were plenty of other people who also took advantage of the cold and snowy weather. The New York Times has even paid closer attention to the newfound love of winter that many Buffalonians are experiencing. A new article paints Buffalo as an emerging winter wonderland, with the advent of The Ice @ Canalside, HarborCenter, RiverWorks and Larkinville.
The article showcases the venues that are finally getting it right when it comes to promoting Buffalo as a ‘four season’s city. For years Buffalonians were left to their own devices when it came to facing winter without much to do (other than hitting the local ski towns). Yes, there was Rotary Rink, and the occasional winter festival, but not a lot of permanent fixtures and venues. Now that is changing, and more people are opting to take advantage of the offerings, instead of running from the cold weather.
Still, there is more to be done. There are further limits to reach. Here are a few ideas for coming years:
- This city needs a velodrome – an indoor bike track (especially now that we have QCRG track at RW)
- The Outer Harbor should have a giant sledding hill (we already have ice bikes, skating and curling).
- When new projects are built, they should incorporate heated sidewalks.
- There should be a giant indoor jogging/walking/running track.
- Canalside needs to build an indoor market sooner rather than later.
- We need a couple more winter festivals/events to add to Ice at Larkinville, Labatt Pond Hockey and Madd Tiki Winter Luau
- Enforced snow shoveling ordinances in our neighborhoods.
- Build a cable car from the Inner to Outer Harbor (see here).
- Build Hofbräuhaus Buffalo
- Create more density at Canalside
- Turn Silo City into a year ’round destination
- Build out the second floor of the DL&W Terminal (market?) this century.
We have come a long way in recent years where winter is concerned. Now we need to amplify the initiatives by creating more winter-friendly venues and activities, while creating synergy and density at the same time.