^ Lead image: Seasonal gardeners Oo Meh, Plu Meh, and Sey Reh working at the River Rock Garden
Designed in 1898 by Frederick Law Olmsted’s sons – 30 years after Olmsted Sr. first came to Buffalo – Riverside Park was the final addition to the park system. It is located between Niagara, Crowley, Vulcan and Tonawanda Streets, and overlooks the Niagara River. One of its original key features was a Minnow Pool, which was restored and reinterpreted as the River Rock Garden in 2014. In 2021, The MolinaCares Accord adopted Riverside Park to support the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s (BOPC) work to maintain and care for this park all year round.
Also in 2021, BOPC received a NYSDEC grant to remove dead ash trees throughout the Olmsted Park System, five of which are in Riverside Park. Tree removals are expected to occur in the fall and early winter.
A priority in the BOPC’s Five Year Plan, the football field at Riverside Park is receiving an upgrade this year in partnership with the City of Buffalo. This improvement project includes new bleachers, benches and fencing, plus the installation of boulders along Hotaling Drive for parking safety. The center of the football field will be regraded, crowned and new turf installed.
BOPC is currently in the process of researching funding opportunities for the full rehabilitation of Riverside’s baseball diamonds. The rockwall and slide are on order for replacement at the playground, thanks to funding from Councilmember Golombek, and the backstop netting will be replaced thanks to a State grant.
“The Olmsted Parks Conservancy takes pride as a nonprofit which cares for Buffalo’s historic parks and green spaces, and we hope all park-goers will support us by keeping the parks clean and beautiful for all,” said Stephanie Crockatt, BOPC’s Executive Director. “Thanks to partnerships for the parks, like The MolinaCares Accord, resources are key to fun and healthy neighborhood engagement activities, which coupled with our restorative work, will ensure opportunities for these parks and their communities to thrive.”
For more information on Five Year Plan projects (2020-2024) throughout the Buffalo Olmsted Park System, please click here.
Upcoming events at Riverside Park include:
BPO Olmsted Concert at Riverside Park
Aug 13, 7pm-8pm
Featuring select musicians from the brass section of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
Back to School Party + Movie Night + Bike Repair
Aug 20
5:30pm – School Supplies Giveaway, Bike Repair and Safety presentation by GObike Buffalo
At sundown, approximately 8pm – Movie Night featuring “Sing”
FLO Gala + Fireworks Show
Aug 27, 6pm-10pm
Tickets to the FLO Gala on sale now! Park neighbors and visitors are invited to join us for a free fireworks show at approximately 8:45pm
Family Movie Night “Mulan”
Sep 17
At sundown, approximately 7:30pm – Disney’s animation “Mulan”
