220615 Aquarium Preview 1
James Neiss/staff photographer
Niagara Falls, NY - Workers put the finishing touches on the Whirlpool Commons sponsored by the Niagara River Greenway Commission, City of Niagara Falls and Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds. The Aquarium of Niagara will celebrate the completion of construction on a brand new outdoor welcome plaza at the Aquarium of Niagara.
Local elected officials, funders, and partners will join Aquarium of Niagara staff for the ribbon cutting event on Friday, June 17.



Begin forwarded message:

From: Christine Streich
Subject: Friday: Aquarium to Cut Ribbon on New Community Plaza
Date: June 14, 2022 at 9:53:01 AM EDT
To: Christine Streich




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Christine Streich, Director of Communications, Aquarium of Niagara, 716-390-9020, cstreich@aquariumofniagara.org
Media Alert/Photo Opportunity
Aquarium to Cut Ribbon on Outdoor Community Welcome Plaza
What:
The Aquarium of Niagara will celebrate the completion of construction on a brand new outdoor welcome plaza at the Aquarium of Niagara.
Local elected officials, funders, and partners will join Aquarium of Niagara staff for the ribbon cutting event on Friday, June 17.
Visuals and opportunities to include:
A 30-foot-tall steel structure, dynamic shade canopy, presentation area, and seating
Ribbon cutting
Guests interacting with hands-on educational activities
Interviews with staff, officials, partners, and funders
When:
Friday, June 17, 2022, 1pm
Where:
Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14301
Who:
Interviews will be available with:
Gary Siddall, President and CEO, Aquarium of Niagara
Joan Kesner, District Director, Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
Mayor Robert Restaino, City of Niagara Falls
New York State Senator Robert Ortt
New York State Assemblyman Angelo Morinello
Mark Mistretta, District Director, New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
Greg Stevens, Executive Director, Niagara River Greenway Commission
Background:
Backed with funding from the Niagara River Greenway Commission and supported by the City of Niagara Falls, the Whirlpool Commons project enhances community access to outdoor spaces, encourages local engagement with the Aquarium of Niagara’s mission and conservation efforts, and supports year-round educational programming that promotes healthy and sustainable living.
The project was made possible by New York State’s removal of the Robert Moses Parkway, which had previously separated the Aquarium from other attractions and amenities in the downtown district. The Aquarium is now prominently positioned along the newly created Gorgeview trail, and the Whirlpool Commons welcome plaza will serve as a gateway for guests to encounter the greater outdoor adventure of the Niagara Gorge.
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CHRISTINE STREICH│DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, AQUARIUM OF NIAGARA
701 Whirlpool Street│Niagara Falls, NY 14301
OFFICE 716.286.9479│ CELL 716.390.9020 │ cstreich@aquariumofniagara.org