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Reawakening the Chadakoin
See the visionary plan to bring new life to the river and establish the Chadakoin as a recreational destination in Jamestown, NY.
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PHASE 1
Creating Awareness and Access
The Chadakoin Activation Strategy provides activities and recommendations that address economic development, recreation, entertainment, education, tourism, and the environment in a comprehensive manner, with the goal of maximizing visitation in the river corridor and basin areas.
The first phase of this project includes several recommended components of the Strategy, and will increase public access to the water, provide jobs during implementation, and support economic growth in downtown Jamestown.
PHASE 1
Creating Awareness and Access
The Chadakoin Activation Strategy provides activities and recommendations that address economic development, recreation, entertainment, education, tourism, and the environment in a comprehensive manner, with the goal of maximizing visitation in the river corridor and basin areas.
The first phase of this project includes several recommended components of the Strategy, and will increase public access to the water, provide jobs during implementation, and support economic growth in downtown Jamestown.
North Basin Projects
The North Basin includes all of the properties behind the National Comedy Center and extending from the river bank across from Panzarella Park east to the Warner Dam. This area offers exceptional recreational and entertainment venues capable of drawing substantial numbers of visitors to the area and complementing the National Comedy Center’s activities and other downtown attractions.
Signature gardens
The development of the “Signature Gardens” will serve both as an enhancement to the North Basin green space and as infrastructure designed to collect and convey stormwater from the area. Situated on the western end of the north bank of the Chadakoin River Basin near the pedestrian bridge to Panzarella Park, plans include ornamental trees, native shrubs, annual and perennial plants, a scenic river overlook, a gazebo, and infrastructure that mitigates the currently unmanaged stormwater runoff.
Tiered seating
The development of tiered seating on the waterfront property immediately south of the Comedy Park is anticipated to be a significant step in the activation of the waterfront. The seating will consist of a basic tier design where the seating area is grass, and accessibility and safety will be significant considerations during the design process.
Placemaking items
An important element to creating a sense of place consists of amenities. These landscape essentials provide places to relax and enjoy the surrounding activity and/or scenery, giving time to rest and reflect. As the basin becomes a hub of activity, swings, chairs, and benches become highly prized. Other amenities may be installed to provide visual highlights or other aesthetics.
Mural
Creating a mural that showcases a piece of Jamestown’s history (still to be determined) will act as an additional draw and its presence will remind the community and visitors alike what an interesting history Jamestown has.
South Basin Projects
The South Basin encompasses the area between Steele Street and the riverbank and extending from Panzarella Park east to the Chautauqua Brick property. This area offers an abundant variety of recreational and commercial opportunities.
Kayak launch
Getting people onto the water in the river corridor and basin areas is a primary objective of the Chadakoin Activation Plan. However, access is currently facilitated by infrastructure only at McCrea Point Park in the form of a kayak launch and boat ramp. Installing an accessible kayak launch on the South Bank of the basin at a location convenient to vehicle access and watercraft rentals will provide a safe way for people to enter and exit the water.
Welcome kiosk
The basin area, because of its size, geography, and variety of available activities and attractions, is an ideal location for an informational self-service kiosk that will feature information related to nearby attractions, lodging and dining options, recreational areas, and entertainment options.
Boat dock
Construction of a dock on the south shore of the river near the Welcome Center will create a regular stop on the Water Taxi route (water taxi is planned for future project phase), as well as docking to accommodate water bikes, upright paddle boats, other recreational craft, and emergency vessels as needed.
River Corridor Projects
The River Corridor refers to the Chadakoin River and adjacent properties extending from McCrea Point Park to the western entry to the downtown Basin area at Panzarella Park. It represents an outstanding example of an urban waterway with exceptional recreational and eco-tourism opportunities.
Navigation aids
The project will include the procurement and installation of a series of buoys and beacons at various points between McCrea Point Park and the Basin. Buoys are floating objects that are anchored to the bottom while beacons are permanently fixed to the riverbed or on land. The project will include the installation of lighted and non-lighted buoys and beacons to assist with both day and night navigation.
Obstacle removal
The use of the Chadakoin River between McCrea Point Park and the basin is limited due to the presence of numerous obstacles within the river channel and the basin. These obstacles largely consist of remnants of the lumber industry from over 100 years ago, as well as trees and stumps that were carried by the flow of the river from the lake in more recent times. Removal of several of these obstacles will open this up and allow for more use.
TIMELINE
Follow the Progress and Share the Vision
- Convene Steering Committee
- Create Chadakoin River Strategic Business Plan
- Secure funding for Phase I projects
- Create RFP for Phase I projects
- Design
- Hire contractor to oversee process
- Begin construction
- Phase I complete
Business Development Opportunities
The south bank of the basin is the ideal spot for dining, entertainment, and recreation that takes advantage of outdoor space and waterfront views. The Chadakoin River basin currently attracts walkers, cyclists, and picnic goers. As the area develops, increases access for incoming and outgoing watercrafts, and is marketed, even more residents and visitors will gravitate to the area. This presents business and investment opportunities at the basin, as well as downtown Jamestown.
The Activation Strategy includes recommendations for some of the existing structures and businesses near the river to be developed to accommodate and attract people to the area.
Recreation Idea
The establishment of a rental facility for storage and ticket sales for water-based recreational equipment to be located near the banks of the south shore. Options include a new facility or use of an existing facility. Rental options could include kayaks, pedal boats, paddle boards, and water bikes.
Dining Idea
Restaurant that offers indoor and outdoor seating. Currently in Jamestown, there are no waterfront dining options. This void can be filled by opening a signature restaurant on the south shore of the Chadakoin. The development of an affordable signature restaurant can offer outdoor and indoor dining to become an appealing and unique experience for visitors looking to stay close to the water while enjoying a meal with friends or family.
Transportation Idea
Drawing visitors to the basin area from Chautauqua Lake using a water taxi. A water taxi would provide an enjoyable and affordable mode of transportation with regular service from the head of the river in Celeron to McCrea Point Park and the basin. A new dock in the basin will be installed as part of the first phase of activation, while existing docking facilities are available at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celeron, Lawson Boat & Motor, and McCrea Point Park for potential route stops.
Have other ideas that you think are consistent with the vision for the basin area? Want to talk more about commercial development in the basin and learn about business assistance and incentives that may be available?
Chadakoin River Activation Partners
