Construction has begun for the MLK, Jr. Park Humboldt Basin Project.
“The city is using $4.1 million in capital funds for the historic Humboldt Basin Project, which will include a new splash pad for summer months, and a year-round historic water feature that can be used as a skating rink during the winter,” said Mayor Brown. “These developments in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park will be significant for the continued development of Buffalo’s East Side.”
The $4.5 million reconstruction includes grants awarded to the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy (BOPC) for $400,000 in upgrades to MLK, Jr. Park for the Humboldt Basin wall and stairs. BOPC bridges funding for the improvements through The John R. Oishei Foundation which administers each grant and will complete the construction project.
“The restoration of the wading pool at the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park is the most
significant restoration project underway anywhere in the historic Buffalo Olmsted Park System at this time,” said Thomas Herrera-Mishler, President and CEO of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy.
“This investment in Buffalo’s East Side Olmsted Community will benefit our region and promote a healthier and more enjoyable park experience throughout the year,” said Herrera-Mishler. “We are very grateful for the Mayor’s leadership and the generosity of BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York in securing these restoration funds and look forward to a splashing fun time in one of the nation’s great Olmsted water features by next summer and many years to come. This restoration project is another very visible example of the power and effectiveness of one of the nation’s most remarkable public/private partnerships.”