BUFFALO — As children run through the water at the new splash pad at Buffalo Harbor State Park, laughing and cooling off on hot summer days, most visitors never notice the work happening behind the scenes to keep the attraction operating safely.
The splash pad recently opened following a two-year construction project supported by New York state. Alongside it sits an inclusive playground designed to allow children of all abilities to play together. Together, the attractions have quickly become a destination for families looking for free summer fun along Buffalo’s waterfront.
For CSEA Niagara Frontier Parks and Recreation Local members, maintaining the splash pad and playground is about much more than keeping the water flowing. It is about creating a safe, welcoming and affordable place for families to gather.
“All the public sees is us going out there, collecting a bottle of water and walking away with it,” said Niagara Frontier Parks and Recreation Local Vice President Tyler Shields. “They don’t see the tests it runs through or all the filtration systems that are maintained by us.”
Every morning before the splash pad opens, employees conduct safety inspections of both the splash pad and playground. Once the facility is operating, water testing takes place every hour throughout the day. The water must meet strict New York Parks safety standards. There is only a narrow range within which test results must fall to keep the attraction running.
The work requires specialized training. Four CSEA members are specifically trained to perform water testing, with additional employees trained as backups.
Maintaining the facilities is a nearly nonstop effort, with staff beginning work around 6 a.m. and continuing inspections, testing and maintenance until approximately 9 p.m.
“If it wasn’t for public employees, it would not be running at all,” said Shields.
The opening of the splash pad marked the completion of a two-year project that transformed a section of Buffalo Harbor State Park into a family-friendly destination.
Announced as part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s continued investment in Buffalo’s waterfront and New York’s state park system, the project expanded access to free recreational opportunities along the Lake Erie shoreline.
While contractors built the facility and the state provided the investment, CSEA members now play a critical role in its daily operation and long-term success.
The work is especially meaningful because the splash pad and inclusive playground are free for the public to use.
“Everything is so expensive now,” said Shields. “This gives families a place to come, especially during summer vacation, to run around, cool off and get their energy out.”
For Shields and his fellow members, seeing families enjoy the attractions brings a sense of pride.
“Pride. Happiness,” said Shields. “We all put a lot of time and effort into it, and we all enjoy the work we do.”
— Sara McNicholas
