City of Tonawanda
Parks & Recreation Department
150 Fillmore Avenue
Tonawanda, NY  14150
Amanda A. Lofft, Director of Recreation 
 716 505-1024
716 505-1172 office
EMAIL : parksandrec@tonawandacity.com

Within the 4 square mile area of the City of Tonawanda, there are five parks, one pool/wading pool, four sports/ recreational areas, 5 miles of trail, docking facilities, one band shell and nine playgrounds. Various shelters are available for rental in Veteran’s Park and Eastern Park, and in Niawanda Park, the newly named Ronald J. Pilozzi Pavilion is available for rent for any occasion. The Clinton Park gazebo and the gazebo behind Tonawanda City Hall are available for rental in 3-hour increments for weddings, etc.

 Park permits for Veterans Park and Eastern Park can be obtained on line or in the Parks Office at the Department of Public Works building at 150 Fillmore Avenue. 2024 Park Permits will be available for rental starting the first Monday in February, 02/05/24. Online reservations begin at 12:01 AM on 02/05/24. For in person reservations, the Parks Office is open from 7:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-3:00pm. These two parks are open for permits from Memorial Day weekend thru October 15th. Permits can be purchased using cash, check, charge or money orders (online check or charge only).

                                                
Shelter Info & Maps:

Eastern Park Pamphlet
Veterans Park Pamphlet

 

SHELTER PERMIT POLICY

WE CANNOT ALLOW:

1. Erection of tents and canopies.
2. Use of generators.
3. Conducting animal rides.
4. Utilization of caterers without prior approval.
5. Inflatable jump houses or similar entertainment equipment.
6. Dogs. 
7. Glass containers.
8. Not-for-profit/charitable organizations may not conduct fundraising activities without prior application and approval from the City of Tonawanda Common Council.

ADDITIONAL PARK RULES - Equipment may be borrowed from the park office:

1. All refuse/garbage must be put in the provided refuse containers, with lids securely closed.  City garbage totes are limited.  
2. Steel horseshoes can only be used in the horseshoe pits by the Veterans Park office or at Eastern Park.  Rubber horseshoes may be used at other shelters.
3. The sand volleyball court and shuffleboard area are for use by all shelters. 
4. The use of staples on the shelters or picnic tables is prohibited.  Tape is allowed or see the park attendant about tablecloth holders. 
5. Please be advised that there is NO parking on the grass.  Vehicles may only enter Veterans Park with attendant permission and then the vehicle will be allowed to be standing for no longer than 5 minutes unloading/loading, (motor running).
6. Adjacent baseball/softball fields cannot be used without a permit.
7. All shelters have charcoal grills for permit holder’s use.  Additional grills or fire pits that do not meet fire department approval may not be brought to the park or used.
8. Picnic tables may not be moved from the shelter.
9. Bands or sound systems must be in compliance with the City's sound ordinance and may not disrupt other shelter parties.

 

PARK SHELTER OCCUPANCY LIMITS

1.  Approximately 48 - 60 people may be seated, in Vets Park shelters 3 - 6. (8 tables)
2. Approximately 72 - 100 people may be seated, in Vets Park shelters 1 - 2. (12 tables)
3. Approximately 72-100 people may be seated at Eastern Park. (12 tables)

 

NOTE:  The Parks Department reserves the right to limit the number of people under this permit to prevent over-crowding of the park and/or parking lot facilities.  Activities such as wedding receptions and corporate picnics are better suited at Eastern Park.

 

PARKING

 Parking is limited at Veterans Park and we highly recommend car-pooling so that all may share the parking lot.

 VETERANS PARK

Reservations open February 5, 2024 

If you make your reservation for a Saturday or Sunday on that Friday after 3 pm please be sure to have a copy of your permit as our office closes at 3pm. The park attendants will be unaware of your rental and will not have the power turned on to your shelter.

 click here for availability/reservationsclick here for availability/reservations

This Park is located between Adam Street and Niagara Streets, near the intersection of Niagara Street and Two Mile Creek Road.  There are two large and four smaller shelters available for rental.  Park amenities include electric in all shelters, a large playground area, a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, grills, lavatories and a Veterans Monument.  Please note dogs are only allowed, on a leash, from 6:00AM-9:00AM May 1st - September 30th, and when park is open October 1st - April 30th, as per City ordinance. 

Veterans Park 1 or 2        $100.00 RESIDENT/ $200.00 NON-RESIDENT

Veterans Park 3, 4, 5, 6   $75.00 RESIDENT/ $100.00 NON-RESIDENT

****10% discount for active and retired military for Veteran's Park ONLY. Reservations MUST be made IN PERSON at the parks department with a valid Common Access Card (CAC) or DD214 papers. 

EASTERN PARK

Reservations open February 5, 2024

If you make your reservation for a Saturday or Sunday on that Friday after 3 pm please be sure to have a copy of your permit as our office closes at 3pm. The park attendants will be unaware of your rental and will not have the power turned on to your shelter.

click here for availability/reservation

This Park is located on Fillmore Avenue near the Twin Cities Memorial Highway, and is more suited for larger, private parties. Electric is included in the permit price; refrigerated truck hook-up is available as are horseshoes and a net for volleyball games. Please note dogs are only allowed, on a leash, from 6:00AM-9:00AM May 1st - September 30th, and when park is open October 1st - April 30th, as per City ordinance. 

Eastern Park Whole Park $100.00/resident & $200.00/non resident.  

 

 

RONALD J. PILOZZI PAVILION
in Niawanda Park
   

Pilozzi Park Pavilion Pamphlet
 Click here for video of Pavilion
Click here for Pilozzi Pavilion availability/reservations/pay balances

Whether it be a wedding, graduation party, shower or family reunion, the newly named Ronald J. Pilozzi Pavilion can play host to any event at anytime. Convenience of one renter per day, rental time is 9am to 1am. Click on the above link for additional information. 

 Reservations can be made up to 2 years in advance by placing a $100.00 non-refundable deposit to the City of Tonawanda. This fee will be applied to your total rental fee.  Your rental balance is due one month prior to your event and can be paid on-line. The $300.00 security deposit (cash or check only) is due when picking up the key. Fees subject to change.

RONALD J. PILOZZI PAVILION AMENITIES

• Magnificent Waterfront Location
• Handicap accessible facility
• Fully equipped industrial kitchen including: 6 burner stove, 2 shelf oven, double refrigerator, freezer,  microwave oven and large sink basins
• (15) 5 foot round tables that can accommodate up to 8 people each, (3) 8 foot long rectangular banquet tables, and chairs.
• Total capacity of up to 130
  
• Dimmable Lights            
• Portable Bar & Drink Chest   
• Outdoor Patio with furniture  (seasonal) 
• Flat screen TV and Spectrum Cable Access
• Dedicated Parking spots.  Parking is limited. We highly recommend car-pooling

 For more information please call:
City of Tonawanda Parks & Recreation Office  
150 Fillmore Ave. Tonawanda, NY 14150                                         
 Phone:  716-505-1172       Fax:  716-692-6747         
email: parksandrec@tonawandacity.com 

Our Offices are open from 7am-12pm and 1pm-3pm Monday through Friday   

NIAWANDA PARK

 Located on the scenic Niagara River, it’s a popular location to take a walk, roller-blade or jog on the river walk path; enjoy your lunch, catch some sun or have some solitary time.  See our events schedule for bandshell concerts and special events throughout the summer.  Please note that parking is not allowed on the grass unless posted for special events. Dogs shall be permitted, year round, within the entire Niawanda Park, provided that the dog is restrained at all times by an adequate collar and leash not exceeding six feet in length, kept under the control of a competent person and the dog does not engage in loud howling or barking in an excessive manner, as per City ordinance.

 

GATEWAY HARBOR PARK

Gateway Harbor Park is becoming the hub of activity in the downtown area. Concerts and activities are scheduled from mid-June through October. (See Events and Activities on the City of Tonawanda’s home page for schedules and information).

Food, beverage and activity vendors are welcome to apply by contacting the Tonawanda Gateway Harbor Corporation. If you are interested in becoming involved with the park you may receive an application for vending or activities by e-mailing parksandrec@tonawandacity.com

• Two-hour or less transient docking - $5.00
•  With Electric & Water (overnight)
  • Commercial boats $50.00
  • 25’ & Under boats $30.00
  • 26’ to 40’ boats $35.00
  • 41’ & Over boats $40.00
• Without Electric & Water (overnight)
  • Commercial boats $50.00
  • 25’ & Under boats $25.00
  • 26’ to 40’ boats $30.00
  • 41’ & Over boats $35.00
• Daily Fees (daily until 10:00pm, with or without electric)
  • 25’ & Under boats $15.00
  • 26’ to 40’ boats $20.00
  • 41’ & Over boats $25.00
  • Commercial boats $35.00

Overnight parking permit fee - Gateway Harbor Docking Facilities:

 

 
TREES

 To report a tree problem, please call 505-1172 and ask that a card be filled out. 

 Removals: 

We often receive requests from residents to have trees cut down.  Please understand that unless a city tree is structurally unsafe, it will not be removed.  Another situation involves tree roots that grow into a homeowner’s lateral sewer line.  While we understand that the roots cause a problem with the sewer line, we will not remove a healthy tree for that reason alone.   Removing the tree will not remove your sewer problems.

If you decide to have your sewer line replaced, this may cause a different situation.  In certain cases, the trench dug for the new sewer line will harm a tree, causing it to become unsafe.  In this case, the City will remove the tree at no cost to the homeowner.  We will need to see a contract in hand.

 Trims:

 Please contact the office at 505-1172. We will have your address added to our trim list. 

 Plantings:

If you are interested in having a tree planted between the sidewalk and the curb, please call 505-1172 to place your request.  We will let you know if a planting is possible.  Trees will be offered in suitable locations.  In cases where we do not feel a planting between the sidewalk and the curb is appropriate, we may offer you a tree for your front lawn.  In the past three years, we have planted over 300 new trees in the City.

It is against City ordinance to plant a tree or remove a tree on City property, which includes between the sidewalk and the curb.  Fines can be hefty. 

TREE MEMORIAL PROGRAM

 The City has a Tree Memorial Park located on Two Mile Creek Road.  Please visit the Parks & Recreation Office at 150 Fillmore Avenue  for an application.  Due to space limitations, tree memorials are for City residents only.

 The cost is $400, which includes a commemorative plaque.  Applications are due by  June 1^st for fall plantings.