The first phase of a $38- million restoration project at the Table Rock is now complete, says the Communications Manager of Table Rock Tony Baldinelli.

A new clock tower has been added to the centre's entrance, next to the Bridge of Flowers, and beside the Incline Railway.

"Eventually it's our goal to update and modernize the incline railway making it a year-round operation," he explained. "Right now it's a seasonal operation that has been around since 1968 and we would like tourists to utilize it all year."

Baldinelli said the new clock tower brings the Table Rock closer to what the Niagara Parks Commission's goal was from the beginning of the project.

"We are thrilled, it's another aspect of the redevelopment phase of Table Rock which has been completed. The facility is becoming the site and facility we envisioned, to enhance the experience for our tourists," said Baldinelli.

The new clock towers will see four custom-designed clocks made by Verdin Prestige Series Tower Clocks operating at the Table Rock.

The project's total cost was over $40,000 for the installation. The complete redevelopment project for the Table Rock is about $38 million.

"We are a self-funded agency. We go to the banks and fund the project that way, and all the revenue we receive goes towards the operations and maintenance of the park," explained Baldinelli.

The clocks feature large, easy to read dials, faces and clock hands with LED lights and are equipped with internal heating.

"With Niagara Falls and the high humidity and moisture we just could not install a standard clock dial," said Ernie Houthuyzen, the regional manager for Verdin clocks.

Houthuyzen said that most clock dials that are installed on buildings don't have covers over them, and their hands are usually totally exposed, but with the harsh and unpredictable weather in Niagara Falls the company had to take a new approach. "With the winter and the moisture, the freezing, the ice build up and snow build up, we decided to protect the dials with specials covers over top of them, which protect the dials," he said.

For more information about the clock towers or the Table Rock visit www.niagaraparks.com.