The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Gateway

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Gateway. . , In 1959, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. founded the Buffalo Bills and forever formed a bond with the people of Western New York. Throughout his 55-year ownership of the team, he cemented his legacy not only through his contributions to the game of football, but also through his countless charitable endeavors., Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson requested that a significant share of his estate, including the sale of the team, be used to continue his life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name-The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation., With a grantmaking capacity that began with more than $1 billion, the Foundation's mission is to invest in the quality of life of the people of his adopted home of Western New York and his lifelong home of Southeast Michigan. In order to make an immediate, substantial, and measurable impact in these communities, he directed the Foundation to spend down all of its funds by 2035., On October 17, 2018, the Foundation made a historic commitment to support parks and trails in honor of Mr. Wilson's 100th birthday. It was an opportunity to not just dream of, but realize, a stronger region and a more connected future through Mr. Wilson's generosity., The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation's Parks and Trails Initiative committed $200 million split equally across Western New York and Southeast Michigan regions to support the development of signature legacy parks and regional trails. The initiative supports the Foundation's efforts to connect communities, encourage healthy lifestyles and promote economic growth., Niagara Escarpment , No element of constructing the Erie Canal and reaching Lake Erie posed a greater challenge than overcoming the 300-foot rise of the Niagara Escarpment, pictured right. This 450-million-year-old geological formation extends from New York through Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. It is most famous for the precipice where the Niagara River plunges 167 feet over Niagara Falls. The Niagara Escarpment was formed and existed before glaciations, the dinosaur extinction, and the formation of Niagara Falls., The Best Choice , Canal engineers were faced with the daunting challenge of how to overcome the Niagara Escarpment and raise the canal to its terminus in Buffalo. The most feasible proposal was found here in Lockport, where the Escarpment's elevation is only 70 feet. The solution, pictured right, consisted of two sets of five locks rising a total of 60 feet, one set each for eastbound and westbound traffic. At the top of the locks, a seven-mile artificial canyon was cut through the escarpment to Tonawanda Creek, as illustrated in the drawing at bottom right. This brought the Canal level with its destination and also channeled a continuous supply of water from Lake Erie into the Canal. This configuration, known as the "Flight of Five" and "Deep Cut," constitutes the most famous feature on the Erie Canal., Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village , Located seven miles west on the Empire State Trail, Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village preserves and interprets the proud heritage of this region on its beautiful 35-acre grounds. Visitors can tour historic buildings from the Buffalo Niagara region, and interact with costumed interpreters who graciously welcome all to the quaint village and show what life was like in the 19th century. There are maker arts opportunities in brewing, blacksmithing, woodworking, quilting, lacemaking, weaving, and music. Special events celebrate culture and history and offer immersive experiences., The Kenan Center , The Kenan Center, located just 1.5 miles south at 433 Locust Street, is one of the premier facilities in the Buffalo Niagara region for arts, education, and recreation programming. Since its official dedication in 1969, the Kenan Center has become the heart of the community, attracting passionate people who utilize its campus to learn, engage others, expand their creativity, and better understand the world around them. People from all over the world enjoy visiting the campus to see the 1800s Victorian mansion and the beautifully landscaped grounds that belonged to Mr. and Mrs. William Rand Kenan, Jr. The Kenan Center Campus is home to the Kenan House Gallery, the Taylor Theater, the Kenan Montessori Preschool, and the Kenan Arena., Niagara Wine Trail , The Niagara Wine Trail provides visitors with an array of wineries and attractions rich with history. Grape growing and winemaking have been in western New York since the 19th century. The Niagara Region's unique micro-climate supports a long growing season, and the Ontario lakeshore soils are ideal for cultivating grapes. Wineries on the trail offer a diverse selection of traditional vinifera, native, fruit, and ice wines, as well as honey meads and hard ciders. To experience the Niagara Wine Trail, take a short walk east across the Canal to the Flight of Five Winery in Lockport's historic Old City Hall. From there, pick up a winery map to find them all!, Wide Waters , Located two miles east in Lockport's "Lowertown" neighborhood, Wide Waters offers varied activities for families and visitors of all ages. Boats and kayaks are available for rent at the marina, and boaters can take advantage of the public docks and a refueling station. Amenities include restrooms, a fitness trail, pavilion, and nearby eateries. Created as a turning basin for canal boats, this area also has two iconic lift bridges in close proximity. There are only 16 such bridges on the entire Erie Canal., empiretrail.ny.gov