Niagara Falls, NY — The Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $155,000 Community Development Grant from the City of Niagara Falls to support a comprehensive renovation of Schoellkopf Park, a cornerstone of the NFMMC medical campus. As the first public city park of Niagara Falls, Schoellkopf not only preserves the city’s rich heritage but also bridges the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center with neighboring areas, highlighting its significance as a central urban greenspace.
“I’d like to express our profound gratitude to Mayor Restaino, the city administration, and the entire city council for their investment in our neighborhood and medical campus,” said Joseph Ruffolo, CEO and President of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. “As the only full-service hospital in Niagara County, providing a peaceful space like Schoellkopf Park for our patients and their families is pivotal. This initiative further illustrates our unified dedication to enhancing community well-being.”
The renovation plans for the park include repainting its iron fencing, restoring the historic pillars at the Walnut Avenue entrance, enhancing pedestrian pathways, updating the sprinkler system, and installing contemporary lighting fixtures for improved public safety. A segment of the grant is also reserved for replanting specific park zones that have shown wear over the years.
“This grant signifies more than just an investment in Schoellkopf Park,” said Robert Restaino, mayor of Niagara Falls. “It stands as a testament to our ongoing commitment to elevating and preserving the scenic beauty of Niagara Falls. Our partnership with Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center underscores the transformative outcomes possible when the community pulls together.”
Established in 1913, the 2-acre park located at the intersection of Portage Road and Pine Avenue, honors Arthur Schoellkopf, a past mayor and son of the notable power pioneer, Jacob Schoellkopf.
In the late 1990s, to facilitate the construction of the 120-bed Schoellkopf Health Center, the park’s ownership was transitioned from the City of Niagara Falls to NFMMC. Since then, NFMMC has overseen and maintained the property.
The park remains a cherished community landmark, recognized for its vibrant flowerbeds, diverse flora, canopy-covered walkways, seating areas, and prominent central fountain.
Rejuvenation efforts for the park began last year after the partnership agreement was signed, with a completion date set for November 2023.
ABOUT NIAGARA FALLS MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER
Founded in 1895, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC) has a long tradition of serving the Niagara community. NFMMC’s hospital and primary stroke program are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care, and its primary care network is accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Memorial’s inpatient services include a cardiac/stroke unit, a medical–surgical unit, an ICU, a Labor and Delivery unit, and an Adult Inpatient Psychiatry unit, the only one of its kind in Niagara County. Memorial serves as a Center for Community Health by operating five primary care centers, a large outpatient adult mental health clinic, a Health Home, and several innovative community-based services. Thanks to a partnership with Catholic Health, Kaleida Health, and Erie County Medical Center, NFMMC operates the only cardiac catheterization laboratory in Niagara County. Memorial is also home to the Golisano Medical Oncology Center, which operates in collaboration with Roswell Park Comprehensive Care Center.
