The Grasse River Heritage Area Development Corporation's Canton Heritage Corridor Enhancement Project was awarded the 2008 American Public Works Association (APWA) Central New York Branch APWA Transportation Project of the Year award and the APWA New York Chapter Structures Project of the Year award. The project entails the restoration of the historic King Iron Bowstring Truss Bridge linking Coakley and Falls Islands within the Village of Canton, and the park-like development of Falls and Coakley Islands as the gateway to the historic downtown.

Barton & Loguidice, P.C. was recognized as the designer and Acts II Construction was recognized as the contractor for this project. Spearheaded by the Grasse River Heritage Area Development Corporation, the development of Coakley and Falls Islands presented an opportunity to develop a Gateway Park within the Grasse River corridor at the North Entry to Canton’s historic Downtown. In addition, the development of an accessible trail system on Falls Island provided a unique opportunity to preserve, interpret, and enhance the 19th century mill sites which bear testament to the Village’s rich industrial history.

Coakley Island entailed the design of a new parking area, entrance plaza, scenic overlook, landscape improvements and site amenities including benches, lighting, decorative paving treatments, ornamental wall systems, and informational and interpretive signage. The centerpiece of the site is the historic King Iron Bowstring Truss Bridge, which was rehabilitated as a pedestrian link to Falls Island. Complementing the bridge is the scenic overlook and pastoral lawn area which provides vistas of the Grasse River waterfalls, Falls Island, and the downstream river corridor. An Entrance/Interpretive Plaza was designed at the entrance to the site to provide an appropriate setting for a community gathering space at the bridge and to offer historic, cultural, and service information to the site visitor.