Hornell City parks and people make this a great community
A COLUMN by Mayor John Buckley,
As summer turns to fall, I’ve been reflecting on all we’ve accomplished together over the past year and how much of it comes down to one thing: Community. It’s easy to see the progress. We’ve made key infrastructure upgrades, including a major project at our Water Pollution Control Plant, the paving of 12 streets, and secured funding for two future bridge replacements. These long-term investments will serve Hornell for years to come. Our downtown continues to grow more vibrant, thanks to new streetscape improvements, public art, and the addition of a pedestrian park that’s made the area more walkable, inviting, and full of opportunity for new and existing local businesses. Our parks have truly become gathering places. Union Square is now a lively spot for concerts, events, and connection. Shawmut Park offers green space, trails, a skatepark, and family-friendly amenities. Veterans Memorial Park is bustling with activity from pickleball and tennis to relaxing picnics. These spaces don’t just look great; they bring us together.
But beyond the physical improvements, what really makes Hornell special is our people. It’s the neighbor who lends a hand, the volunteer who shows up, the local business that gives back, and the city employees and first responders who keep things running every day.
As we head into fall, I hope we all take a moment to appreciate the beauty around us and the people who make Hornell feel like home. Whether it’s a walk in the park, supporting a small business, or catching up with a neighbor, we each play a part. Let’s keep moving forward, supporting each other, and building the kind of community we all want to be part of.
