TOURISM: Seaway Trail seeks input on upgrades to programs, signage

Staff Reports
Greater Niagara Newspapers

June 28, 2008 12:51 am

— The Seaway Trail — a 518-mile stretch of highways running from the St. Lawrence River to Springfield, Pa. — is getting ready for some upgrades.
The non-profit organization of the same name is stopping at a number of locations along the trail this summer, taking surveys and opinions to look at ways in which the trail signs and programs can be improved.
That tour stops at the Prospect Point Visitors Center at Niagara Falls State Park today and Sunday — and the information gleaned there will be especially important.
“Niagara Falls is probably the most important place on the Seaway Trail because of its high name recognition,” said Teresa Mitchell, president of the organization.
Mitchell said the company strives to improve economic development and tourism growth and cultural and historic resources throughout the trail corridor. They’ve recently placed new signs in Lockport, Lewiston, Wilson and North Tonawanda.
For people who show up at the kiosk, there will be free prizes such as Seaway Trail guidebooks, bottled water and the 80-page magazine the organization publishes.
Mitchell said the rebranding process will be similar to that which “I Love NY” is doing right now.
“Because of the fact that we’re 30 years old, we should constantly evaluate what we’re doing to make sure we’re doing the best job we can,” MItchell said. “The interpretive signs have been very popular for the visitor and I think have also been a good thing for a sense of community pride and awareness of what they have that’s special in their communities.”