Originally published February 12 2006
Solar energy company proposes solar-powered playground in Buffalo
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The Western New York Sustainable Energy Association proposed a $3 million Buffalo/Niagara Solar Playground and Learning Park on the Buffalo waterfront just after Christmas, and hopes to have the project finished within 18 months of obtaining funding.
The Western New York Sustainable Energy Association hopes to create the $3 million Buffalo/Niagara Solar Playground and Learning Park on the Buffalo waterfront.
The centerpiece of the park would be an enclosed 60-foot 1904 carousel that has been donated by the Herschell Carrousel Museum in North Tonawanda, and which organizers hope to power with solar panels.
"This could be the first waterfront project to come to fruition," said Sustainable Energy Association director Joan Bozer, noting the recent establishment of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corp. to stimulate and oversee development of Buffalo's inner and outer harbor areas.
No site has been confirmed for the solar playground, but Bozer said the association has talked to Buffalo officials about the possibility of donating city land for the project.
University at Buffalo architecture professor Frank Fantauzzi has created a scale model of the renovated carousel, and Cambridge, Mass.-based solar designer Steven Strong has agreed to donate design services.
Bozer said the organization will begin fundraising efforts in earnest in 2006, hoping to match a $5,000 grant from the New York State Legislature with private and foundation support and seeking sponsors for each of 60 carved wooden figures on the carousel.
She said the project could be part of a comprehensive effort to encourage use of renewable energy sources and lure wind energy and solar power manufacturers to Western New York.
A company like DayStar Technologies Inc., which last year got a healthy incentive package to set up operations in Saratoga, would be even more at home in Buffalo, Bozer said.
"We feel that it rightly belongs in our region, this manufacturing and distribution of renewable energy technology.
"In 1901, we demonstrated and were way out ahead in technology for hydropower."
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml