Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown was joined by a number of individuals on Thursday - including Congressman Brian Higgins and Buffalo Common Council President Darius Pridgen - as he unveiled a new, ground-breaking master plan for the City of Buffalo's Parks.
Developed in collaboration with the Trust for Public Land, as well as the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, this is the first new master plan for the city's park system in over 30 years. It highlights how the park system can better serve all residents of the community, especially those in historically-underserved areas, through investment based on social, health, natural, and built environment needs.
"This strategic vision for our parks system will guide the development, enhancement and expansion of Buffalo's park spaces for generations to come," said Mayor Brown while speaking in front of the Johnnie B. Wiley Sports Pavilion.
Mayor Brown and his administration will use approximately $43 million to parks capital improvement projects outlined in the plan from its federal American Rescue Plan allocation.
The master plan has been in development for over two years, and is being funded by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation.
The city is already in the process of implementing several elements contained in the plan. Currently, the Brown Administration is working with the Buffalo Public School District to allow year-round access to local schoolyards for the public.
"The pandemic demonstrated for us how critical parks are to our quality of life," Mayor Brown said. "When most indoor destinations closed, Buffalo's parks and parkways offered a safe space for walking, running, biking, playing and personal reflection and meditation. As a result, some residents discovered the beauty and benefits of our city parks for the very first time, while many developed an even deeper love and renewed appreciation for our parks.
"As we emerge from the pandemic, now is the time to build on our nationally recognized park system by enhancing the year-round experience in our existing parks, while also prioritizing new investment in parks, trails and recreational spaces in our city's historically underserved neighborhoods."
More details of the plan and more about the City of Buffalo parks system is available by visiting: www.buffalony.gov/2021parksplan.
