Front Park
Interactive Park Map
About the Location
Historic Design
Front Park, originally known as "The Front," is a historic public park located in Buffalo, New York. Designed by renowned landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1868, it was part of Buffalo's first park system.
The park occupies a prominent bluff overlooking Lake Erie and the Niagara River, offering panoramic views of the waterfront.
Original Concept
Initially spanning 32 acres, Front Park was conceived as the most formal of three parks linked by parkways in Olmsted's design for Buffalo. It was intended to serve as a space for entertainment, recreation, and civic gatherings.
The original design included features such as a playground, grassy fields for baseball and cricket, a graveled terrace, and a proposed music stand.
Evolution Over Time
Over the years, Front Park has undergone significant changes. The construction of the Peace Bridge in 1927 and subsequent highway developments in the mid-20th century reduced the park's size and altered its original landscape.
Despite these changes, some elements of Olmsted's design remain, including open green spaces and pathways.
Present Day
Today, Front Park continues to serve as a public recreational space for Buffalo residents and visitors. It offers views of Lake Erie and provides a connection to the city's waterfront, though its current form differs from its original 19th-century design.
