Calling the “Flight of Five” locks on the Erie Canal in Lockport, “.. a major regional tourist attraction, a must see destination,” the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor recently honored the Lockport Locks Heritage District with one of two 2015 Erie Canalway Heritage Awards of Excellence.
Recipients were recognized June 24 during a ceremony in Syracuse at the annual meeting of the Erie Canalway Heritage Corridor Commission and Heritage Fund Board. Hudson Crossing Park in Schuylerville was also honored with an Award of Excellence. Honorable Mention went to the Old Erie Canal Towpath at Butternut Drive in Dewitt.
The award honors significant places along the corridor and recognizes excellence in advancing the goals of the Erie Canalway Preservation and Management Plan.
“We congratulate this year’s recipients for capitalizing on and showcasing our canal heritage,” said Russ Andrews, chairman of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission. “These are not only great places to visit, they are outstanding models that show how preserving our heritage can go hand-in-hand with economic and community revitalization.”
Dave Kinyon, chairman of the Lockport Locks Heritage District Corporation said, “We’re honored to be recognized with this award. Along with sites in Niagara Falls, and Buffalo, Lockport’s canal-related attractions represent a significant cluster of outstanding heritage assets that make Western New York a tremendous destination for visitors. The collaborative effort in Lockport is reinforced at the regional and state level to maximize the economic impact that heritage tourism offers to all of our communities.”
A five-person independent jury selected award recipients based on a written application and site visit, which included meetings with officials at each site, as well as community leaders, municipal representatives and other stakeholders.
The award recognizes the Lockport Locks District as the focus of highly successful economic investment, historic preservation, and community revitalization centered on the city’s iconic locks.
The Locks District showcases the restoration of Locks 69 and 70 – originally completed in 1849. Canal Street, a pedestrian and bicycle-only street overlooking the locks, anchors a number of events, businesses and attractions including: the Erie Canal Discovery Center; Lake Effect Ice Cream; Flight of Five Winery; Lockport Caves and Underground Boat Rides; and a weekly community market.
Additionally, Harrison Place, an advanced manufacturing and entrepreneurship hub, Cornerstone CFCU Arena, a newly opened skating facility, and Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises are located in the district.
