Hornell opens 'four seasons' Union Square Park. How public space will be utilized

Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune
·3 min read

The temperature may have hovered just a few degrees above freezing and cloud cover may have hid the sun, but the City of Hornell's Union Square Park was in the spotlight Thursday.

Mayor John Buckley cut a ribbon for the city's newest year-round attraction at the intersection of Seneca and Genesee streets, next to Community Bank.

The park's size is slightly under an acre and was designed to pay homage to Union Park, a popular downtown fixture that was lost to urban renewal programs in the early 1970s.

Construction at the corner of Seneca and Genesee streets began earlier this year.

Union Square features an in-ground fountain, an amphitheater with a raised stage covered from the elements, concrete walkways, benches, monuments, lighting and green space.

"Public spaces play a central role in downtown vibrancy, offering a safe place for people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds to gather, engage, play, enjoy entertainment and just take in the energy and diversity of city life," said New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez in a statement.

"Union Square Park is just the beginning of a series of public improvement projects funded by the DRI that will further enhance the vibrancy of the city’s downtown and serve as a catalyst for future downtown investments."

New park adds versatility, vibrancy to downtown Hornell

Hornell Mayor John Buckley speaks during an event marking the official debut of Union Square Park Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 as Deputy Mayor Jessica Cleveland and City Planner Heather Reynolds look on.
Hornell Mayor John Buckley speaks during an event marking the official debut of Union Square Park Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023 as Deputy Mayor Jessica Cleveland and City Planner Heather Reynolds look on.

Buckley called the park "versatile" with the ability to hold many types of events. He said the city is currently working with Hornell Partners for Growth to establish a summer concert series starting in 2024.

The fountain will run on a timer and will mainly be in use each summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Buckley said other "surprises" will also be announced.

“From being able to host concerts and events under the modern and well-equipped amphitheater, to simply relaxing and watching kids run through the fountain on hot summer days, this park will be a great space for our community to enjoy for generations to come," Buckley said.

"Union Square adds vibrancy to our downtown and I’m so excited and thankful to be here today at this ribbon cutting.”

Hornell park is first DRI project to be completed

Officials survey the location of the in-ground fountain at Hornell's new Union Square Park at the corner of Seneca and Genesee streets. The fountain will run on a timer and will mainly be in use each summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Officials survey the location of the in-ground fountain at Hornell's new Union Square Park at the corner of Seneca and Genesee streets. The fountain will run on a timer and will mainly be in use each summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Union Square Park is the initial project completed from the $10 million New York state DRI award to Hornell in 2019.

Buckley said the city is grateful for $765,000 in DRI/Department of State funding as well as $376,125 from an Environment Protection Fund administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

The city provided the remaining funding for the park, as well as services during construction. The total project cost is around $1.2 million, according to Hornell officials.

Hornell Mayor John Buckley cuts the ribbon to officially open Union Square Park Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023. The new park at the corner of Seneca and Genesee was supported by Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding.
Hornell Mayor John Buckley cuts the ribbon to officially open Union Square Park Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023. The new park at the corner of Seneca and Genesee was supported by Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding.

"The DRI committee carefully considered fostering a communal gathering space with an amphitheater during their planning sessions," said Hornell City Planner Heather Reynolds. "The greenspace and fountain create a youth-friendly environment, as well as a pedestrian calm, and I’m content with the final product. I can’t wait to start working with organizations on event programming.”

Many Hornell residents got their first close look at the park last Saturday when a monument to Hornell Police Sgt. Daniel J. Swift was dedicated. More than 200 people attended the dedication.

Mayor thanks groups, individuals who spearheaded Union Square Park Development

A monument captures a moment in time at Hornell's new Union Square Park at the corner of Seneca and Genesee.
A monument captures a moment in time at Hornell's new Union Square Park at the corner of Seneca and Genesee.

Buckley was joined at the event by city officials, both current and past.

Also surrounding the mayor were representatives from Community Bank, which donated the land, and officials with project engineer LaBella Associates and general contractor C.P. Ward Inc.

"Thank you to LaBella Associates for the design and engineering work, and C.P. Ward for development and construction of this park," Buckley said. "A giant thank you to City Planner Heather Reynolds, superintendent of Public Works, Mitch Cornish and our Department of Public Works for their invaluable commitment and contributions.”

Photos: 'A man of courage.' Daniel Swift memorial dedicated in Hornell at Union Square Park

In addition to thanking Community Bank, Buckley acknowledged former City attorney Joseph Pelych for "his unwavering commitment" during the property acquisition.

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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Union Square event marks opening of newest Hornell park