Riverside Park - Buffalo, NY
Posted by: 
Rayman
N 42° 57.396 W 078° 54.710
17T E 670325 N 4758110
Riverside Park is a park designed by the Olmsted Brothers in the northwest corner of Buffalo.
Waymark Code: WM25M9
Location: New York, United States
Date Posted: 09/09/2007
Views: 29
In 1877, Frederick Law Olmsted was requested to advise on an extension to the existing Olmsted Park System. He strongly suggested locating a new park on the lake front. The City of Buffalo took no action on Olmsted's proposal. During this period, the city was expanding to the north and consideration was given for a new park in this area. Eventually in 1889, 22 acres of land adjacent to the Niagara River was developed as Riverside Park. This park was a fulfillment of Olmsted's recommendation for a large waterfront ground.
Riverside Park is nearly rectangular in area on the bluff overlooking the river. The plan, implemented by the Olmsted Brothers after Frederick Law Olmsted had retired, was intended to afford the visitor extensive views of the Niagara River with Strawberry Island, Grand Island and the Canadian shore in the distance.
The design contains three distinct areas: the pastoral, the formal and the active. Near the turn of the century, a gradual move towards active recreation increased. The Olmsted's anticipated this and planned for recreational facilities in the park. Presently, Riverside Park retains many old trees in the northern quarter, most of which are probably survivors of the original plantings. The playing fields in the southeast portion of the park are from the original design.
Riverside Park represents the final phase to be implemented in Olmsted's plan for a park system in Buffalo. It was expanded in 1912 to the south to include larger recreational areas, reflecting greater emphasis on recreation and sports the public desired.
Street address:
Niagara & Vulcan Sts.
Buffalo, NY United States
14207
County / Borough / Parish: Erie
Year listed: 1982
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Architecture/Engineering
Periods of significance: 1875-1899, 1900-1924
Historic function: Landscape: Park
Current function: Landscape: Park
Season start / Season finish: From: 01/01/2007 To: 12/31/2007
Hours of operation: From: 6:00 AM To: 9:00 PM
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
Privately owned?: Not Listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Please give the date and brief account of your visit. Include any additional observations or information that you may have, particularly about the current condition of the site. Additional photos are highly encouraged, but not mandatory.