The fire tower has been seeing progress since our last June update.
Photo updates:
The contractors assembled a wooden scaffolding on top of each section to assist in joining the sections together.
Most recently, section 2 was moved up via crane atop section 1 (the base, which has been anchored to the foundations since November 2025). This structure is now approximately 40′ high.
The stairs, railings, and transition platforms between stair sections are complete in these sections.
In addition, section 5 (the canopy section with the cabin and roof) has been placed on top of section 4 with the help of a wooden scaffolding for safety and ease of working at the joining spots.
This means the work area, which formerly had 4 separate sections of 20′ each now has 2 sections of 40′ each after the combining was finished.
This frees up room on the ground to assemble the middle section – section 3 – which didn’t have enough room in the construction area to be assembled before the combination of section 1 and section 2.
The parts for section 3 have been on-site since 2025 but they were awaiting this moment to get assembled.
Once section 3 is assembled (including stairs, railings, and landings) the big crane will be positioned at the site and it will be lifted atop the foundation sections (section 1 & 2 combined). Shortly after that, the top sections (4 & 5) will be hoisted atop to complete the fire tower.
There are still ground-level items needed before the tower will be officially opened. These include the security fence and the stair cage shown in the concept video. (concept video is here: https://crmfiretower.org/videos/ at about the 2 minute point of the third video listed). Below is a screen shot:
More updates to come as progress is made!
Thank you for your support. Through the Fire Tower Trail Half Marathon & 10k in June we raised over $1,500 in three months from supporters via the Friends of the Fire Tower 501c3.
These funds will go towards educational and accessible exhibits to supplement the tower when it is open. One of the accessible programs we have proposed is a 360° virtual fire tower experience with custom seasonal panoramic views taken from atop our fire tower and available online and also using VR goggles at the Trailside Museum in the park.
If you’d like to contribute to this fundraising, donations are open through this link: https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/NY/CrossRiver/FireTowerRaces.
We have a new goal of raising $5,000 from now through June 2027 by the NEXT Fire Tower Trail Half Marathon & 10k. We hope you can support us reaching that goal!
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