Published: January 06, 2009 08:01 pm      

NIAGARA FALLS: Plans for snow park attraction pushed back to summer

June normally offers welcome relief from the snow and ice of a Western New York winter, but this summer, ice skating and snow tubing might be a common sight in Niagara Falls.

Originally slated to open last month, the planned Snow Park Niagara Falls attraction has been pushed back to June, as developers work with the city government to update their paperwork. Park engineers said they are seeking to turn the park into a permanent fixture along Main Street.

The transition of the winter park from a temporary, seasonal attraction into a permanent amusement park has delayed construction due to a host of new zoning applications required by the city before further development takes place.

Albert Crogan, head project engineer for Snow Park Niagara Falls, said the move toward a permanent park has changed much of the process, from the construction time to the cost of materials. Crogan, who represents property owner Joseph “Smokin Joe” Anderson, still anticipates the new zoning applications to clear by February, at which point building can continue.

“The new direction the Snow Park is moving in has changed the process, but we’re still happy with the direction we’re moving in,” Crogan said. “We would have loved to have had it finished during the winter months, but we’re now looking forward to a June opening.”

During a meeting Monday, Economic Development Director Peter Kay provided a brief status update on the project to the City Council and echoed Crogan’s statements that the change to a permanent attraction has meant more permits and approvals are needed.

In particular, building permits must be obtained and any new structure must be building code compliant, Chief Inspector Guy Bax said. A zoning variance also is needed.

Bax said he had discussions with the project’s developers in early December about the new approvals needed, but he has not heard anything back since that meeting.

Anderson is partnering with the N.J.-based company SnowMagic, which uses patented “Infinite Crystals Snowmaking,” a technology that makes snow to any specification. The system works in any temperature by freezing water to create tiny snow crystals, which are blown out of the machine with explosive force, creating snow with a natural feel and texture.

Once completed, the park will offer an eight-lane, 50-foot snow tubing hill, as well as an NHL regulation-size synthetic ice rink. It will be located on three acres of Anderson’s vacant property east of the Days Inn downtown.

Although the cost of building materials has gone up considerably as builders replace the original, more portable materials with longer-lasting equivalents, Crogan said the project is still being privately funded by Anderson. Developers are also hoping to work with the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency for additional funds, due to the Snow Park’s potential for creating new jobs in the area.

“A summer opening would put the park in a good position to start receiving tourists during the city’s major tourism season,” Crogan said. “The process has changed a little, but we’re still moving forward.”

Reporter Rick Forgione contributed to this report.