The City of Hornell unveiled plans for its new park “Union Square Park” as part of its $10 million downtown revitalization initiative. The park, located on Seneca Street near Community Bank, will be the first new park in the city in almost 50 years and will cover just under an acre of land.
The park will feature a memorial to fallen Hornell officer Sgt. Daniel J. Swift, who died in 1973, as well as lighted walkways, benches, a fountain, and an amphitheater. The park was announced in 2019, but with several delays and increased costs, New York State provided an additional $376,000 to help close the funding gap.
According to Mayor John Buckley, the name “Union Square Park” was chosen to pay homage to the former “Union Park” which many residents remember fondly. He also emphasized the importance of honoring the life and service of Sgt. Swift, whose legacy and values continue to influence the community.
Construction on the park is expected to start in spring 2023 with a grand opening later in the year. The city is eagerly anticipating the completion of the park, which will bring new green spaces to downtown Hornell and honor the memory of a fallen hero.
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