9) Redevelopment Concept Plan

Based on our examination of numerous reuse factors we believe the “highest and best use” of the PCG site would be as a multi-use recreational facility, which we call the Zoar Valley Gateway.   The Zoar Valley Gateway would meet many short and long term needs of the Gowanda community, and the desires of its residents. A graphic of the full Concept Plan appears on the following page.  

The major elements of the Zoar Valley Gateway are:

The concept for the Zoar Valley Gateway evolved with two groups of users in mind.  The first group is those who want access to the natural beauty and natural assets of Cattaraugus Creek and the Zoar Valley and would include picnickers, fishermen, paddlers, hikers, bikers and campers.  They would be both from the immediate area and visitors from outside the area.  They may be interested strictly in day-use (anywhere from a few minute stroll to hours of fishing or picnicking) or in an extended stay including overnights.  They also could be using the park as a final destination or they could be using it as a stopover destination on driving or paddling trips through the Western New York region.  It is with this group in mind that several of the elements of the Zoar Valley Gateway are proposed such as a walking and biking trail; fishing platforms; boat launch; camping facilities; multi-use lodge; and picnic areas. 

The second group of users that the Zoar Valley Gateway might accommodate is those seeking active recreational opportunities such as field sports and skating.  This group would come primarily from Gowanda and immediately surrounding communities.  However, given the growing interest in emerging field sports such as soccer and lacrosse, and the area’s lack of facilities for popular activities such as ice-skating and in-line skating/skateboarding, a well-organized and well-run athletic complex could attract users from a wider area of Western New York. For this group two types of facilities are discussed in this section of the report: multi-use athletic fields and skating facilities

A third type of use – waterfront related commercial – is also included in the Concept Plan.  This is intended to be a complementary use for the primarily recreation-oriented site; however, it is important in helping to realize the full potential of the site and in helping Gowanda meet some of its economic needs.

Photo rendering by Catherine A. Waterman-Kulpa

This discussion of potential uses does not constitute a Final Design for the site, as the Village does not currently own the property. It is also not certain if all of the elements will be able to be accommodated on the site.  The elements are all presented herein to assist the Village decide what the most valued features are, and which can be combined on the site in the future.  Other important factors in the future use of the site will be the mandated clean-up level and remedial strategy, and when that cleanup is undertaken.

For easier printing on your PC, this summary section is also available in Adobe PDF format.
Go to the Previous Section

Go to the Full Report