Hornell's Union Square Park named 'Project of the Year' by trade group. What set it apart

Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune

Positive reviews for the City of Hornell’s new Union Square Park keep coming in.

The Western New York branch of American Public Works Association recently recognized Union Square with the 2023 Project of the Year Award for structures priced at less than $5 million.

The award recognition went to the City of Hornell, consultants LaBella Associates and general contractor C.P. Ward Inc.

“This award promotes excellence in the management and administration of public works projects by recognizing the partnership between the managing agency and participating consultants and contractors,” said Daniel Seider, director of the Western New York branch of APWA.

Located at intersection of Seneca and Genesee streets, next to Community Bank, the one-acre park pays homage to Union Park, a popular downtown fixture lost to urban renewal programs in the early 1970s.

Union Square Park in the City of Hornell lights up for the holidays just a couple months after opening in last year.
Union Square Park in the City of Hornell lights up for the holidays just a couple months after opening in last year.

“We are thrilled with the completed Union Square Park project, and it’s great to see it recognized by the Western New York APWA branch,” said Hornell Mayor John Buckley.

The park opened last fall and features an in-ground fountain, an amphitheater with a raised stage covered from the weather, concrete walkways, benches, monuments, lighting and green space.

The fountain runs on a timer and will mainly be in use each summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day, according to city officials.

"The green space and fountain create a youth-friendly environment, as well as a pedestrian calm," Hornell City Planner Heather Reynolds said.

City officials consider Union Square a “four seasons” park, with a design welcoming spring festivals, summer concerts, fall gatherings and holiday-season celebrations, with the city's "Christmas at the Square" proving popular last year.

A monument in the park honors Hornell Police Sgt. Daniel J. Swift.

The Keystone Club Police Pipes and Drums corps from Gates leads a procession to the ceremony. They played “Amazing Grace” as the monument to Sgt. Daniel J. Swift was unveiled Oct. 28, 2023 in Union Square Park in Hornell.
The Keystone Club Police Pipes and Drums corps from Gates leads a procession to the ceremony. They played “Amazing Grace” as the monument to Sgt. Daniel J. Swift was unveiled Oct. 28, 2023 in Union Square Park in Hornell.

DRI, James Street park projects ongoing in Hornell

The $1.2 million park is the first project completed from the $10 million New York state DRI award to Hornell in 2019.

The City of Hornell, LaBella and C.P. Ward have other projects currently in the pipeline, including the Streetscapes, Alleyway, Wayfinding, and Public Art project downtown, as well as the splash pad, tennis and basketball court project at Veterans Memorial Park at James Street.

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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Hornell's Union Square Park earns 2023 Project of the Year honor

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