The village of Mayville is doing a $400,000 upgrade to the landing area near the Chautauqua Belle. Photo by Gregory Bacon

MAYVILLE – The landing area for the Chautauqua Belle will soon be getting a makeover.

During the Mayville Village Board meeting, it was announced that ROCK of WNY will begin Phase I of the Lakeside Improvement Project.

Planned improvements include:

– Construction of the overlook area near the Chautauqua Belle, providing scenic views and enhancing the park’s waterfront experience.

– Improvements to the parking area in front of the Chautauqua Belle to increase accessibility and functionality.

– Upgrades to the boat launch parking area, making it more user-friendly for visitors and boaters.

– Installation of concrete sidewalks as part of the park’s infrastructure enhancements.

– Planting of rain gardens, which will support stormwater management and add natural beauty to the park.

– Installation of site furnishings, including benches, bicycle racks, and trash receptacles to improve comfort and convenience for park visitors.

The work is scheduled to begin Aug. 25 and be completed by Oct. 9.

The project is expected to cost nearly $400,000.

It’s the first step of a multi-stage Lakeside Improvement Project, although Mayor Rick Syper said they’re going to need more grant funds to move ahead with other projects. Those include a new kayak launch and improvements to the trail.

Mayville originally received a $675,000 grant and had to provide a $225,000 match.

The Chautauqua Belle Gateway Improvement Project was listed as the first project in the park’s Master Plan it developed back in 2022.

During the village board meeting, Mathew Stage and his father Paul were in attendance and gave an update on the Belle’s activities.

Mathew Stage noted that the Belle “continues to run better than it has in decades.”

He said they do a lot of proactive repairs but it’s getting more difficult to find both people and parts.

“A simple yearly tune-up in 2017 cost us $200. Last year it cost us more than $6,000 because they can’t find qualified individuals to work on high pressure steam equipment anymore. They have to fly in from way out of town,” he said.

Mathew Stage said the Belle is only one of four operated steamboats left in the country.

It is also the only public vessel in Western New York that is handicapped-accessible.

Because of the bridge construction on I-86, the Belle can’t access the southern basin.

“We can’t fit under the bridge because of the scaffolding there so we’re kind of locked into the north end of the lake,” Mathew Stage said.

There are plans in the future to return to Jamestown and use McCrea Point Park once they can get back to the southern end of the lake.

Mathew Stage thanked the village for its continued partnership.

“My dad and I continue to be proud of what we’ve accomplished. We’re grateful for all of your support. We’re excited about our future here in Mayville and we’ll keep the Belle going as long as we can in the family,” he said.