Originally designed by Frederick Law Olmstead and established in 1885, it is the oldest State Park in the USA. The Niagara Falls State Park was designed to allow visitors to have an unobstructed view of what was once known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World; and to preserve the natural beauty surrounding the majestic falls. In 2012, Governor Cuomo pledged 25 million dollars up front and 1.5 million dollars a year for the next 20 years to fund upgrades to the Niagara Falls State Park. He has also pledged one billion dollars for infrastructure upgrades to all New York State Parks by the end of the decade. Speaking on the Park, Cuomo said, “Niagara Falls State Park is truly one of the crown jewels of New York, offering unparalleled natural beauty and some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the nation. This investment builds the good progress we have made to transform Western New York from the ground up – revitalizing our state parks and historic sites, boosting tourism and creating thousands of well-paying jobs. Today we are recapturing the bold vision and determination that created the most ambitious parks system in the nation, and preserving and enhancing our natural treasures for generations to come.” The project included upgrades to facilities, new Paths and walkways along with improvements to the infrastructures and Trolley Systems. Upgrades to the hardscaping portions were handled by the Project Director of NYS Parks in Albany along with Construction Manager, The LiRo Group, Engineers from T.Y. Lin International and the landscape firm, The LA Group out of Saratoga Springs, New York. Umbriano® was chosen for its height consistency, solid, tight, non-slip surface of the EnduraColor™ Architectural finish that delivered the look and feel of granite in a cost-efficient manner. Among the upgrades are the major viewing areas around the park – Prospect Point, Terrapin Point, Luna Island, and the Three Sisters Islands – with new railing, walkways, benches, light posts, and landscaping.