Brindisi secures state funding for renovations to historic Proctor Park
Funding has been awarded to the Central New York Conservancy, which is working with the city of Utica to restore the two bridges
Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi today announced he has secured $125,000 in the state budget to restore two historic bridges located in F.T. Proctor Park in Utica.
Last week, work began to restore the Tributary and Starch Factory Creek bridges in F.T. Proctor Park that experienced damage to the stonework and structural components after years of wear and tear. Restoration of these bridges will ensure they are safe for first responders, runners and others using the bridges to access F.T. Proctor Park.
The Utica Parks system, which includes F.T. Proctor Park, T.R. Proctor Park, Roscoe Conkling Park and the Memorial Parkway, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making the restoration of the bridges significant from a historical perspective. Tributary Bridge, located on the main roadway through the park, was first built in 1939 by Works Progress Administration volunteers and has been impassable by motor vehicles, which limits first responders’ access to the park.
The Starch Factory Creek Bridge, located over Starch Factory Creek, has crumbling sidewalls and exposed rebar, making it a safety hazard for pedestrians and runners.
“The Utica parks have been an important part of daily life for generations of Mohawk Valley residents,” Brindisi said. “Repairing these two bridges will allow necessary access into the parks and prevent any further deterioration. Both bridges will be renovated, but their historical integrity will be preserved.”
“We are grateful to Assemblyman Brindisi for his support of our ongoing efforts to preserve, restore and enhance the Utica Park System,” said Peter Falzarine, executive director of the Central New York Conservancy. This support enables the Conservancy, in partnership with the city of Utica, to undertake its first major capital project and to preserve the bridges that are integral to the park.”
“F.T. Proctor Park is not only a popular destination for many Mohawk Valley residents—it also is historic, since its designer also was the architect of Central Park,” Brindisi said. “I am pleased that the historic bridges that have been a part of the park for generations will be repaired and restored through this grant.”
About the Central NY Conservancy:
The Central NY Conservancy, a not-for-profit founded in 2002, preserves and beautifies the natural environment and features of historic Utica Parks and Parkway System, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, Jr. It includes the Memorial Parkway, F.T. Proctor Park, T.R. Proctor Park, and Roscoe Conkling Park, and is listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. Among the Parks System attractions are the Utica Zoo, the Utica Recreation Center and Valley View, an award-winning golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones.