Completion of Erie Canalway Trail in Arcadia

The New York State Canal Corporation and the Town of Arcadia celebrated the completion of their collaborative project to improve the Erie Canalway Trail underpass at Whitbeck Road on Thursday, November 6, 2014.
This section is part of the statewide, multi-use trail linking the Hudson River and Lake Erie. The celebratory event included a ribbon cutting of the Canalway Trail underpass as well as a dedication ceremony for the newly named “Harder Canal Park”. Members of the Harder family were honored and recognized for their years of commitment to the Town of Arcadia and Wayne County.
“Due to the successful reestablishment of the Erie Canalway Trail underpass, more than three-quarters of the trail, connecting Buffalo to Albany, is now connected and complete,” said New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton. “This is a significant improvement to the operation of our entire Canalway Trail system. I am honored to recognize the efforts of both the Canal Corporation and the Town of Arcadia who have helped improve the surroundings of the waterway that has been essential to the growth of New York and our nation.”
“I commend the Canal Corporation for collaborating with us to improve the Erie Canalway Trail,” said Town of Arcadia Supervisor Richard Colacino. “This successful partnership represents the positive results that can be achieved when local and state government work together to better a community. It is an honor to name the new “Harder Canal Park” after a family who has been dedicated to our community for generations and continues to play an integral role in both the operations and enhancements of Arcadia and Wayne County.”
The Canalway Trail underpass at Whitbeck Road was previously closed prior to the completion of work, requiring trail users to cross Whitbeck Road at street level. The Canal Corporation and The Town of Arcadia worked together to design the new underpass which will ensure the safety of all the trail users.
The new canal park is named “Harder Canal Park” by the Arcadia Town Board to recognize former highway superintendents David Harder and his son, Ken Harder, for the vital roles that both men played in the Town of Arcadia and throughout Wayne County. The town will install new signage displaying the new park’s name.
The Erie Canalway Trail is a multi-use trail, designed to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, and cross-country skiers. More than three-quarters of the 365-mile Erie Canalway Trail from Buffalo to Albany is now completed. For more information, please visit www.ptny.org/canalway.