Market Square Park

A Village Heart Since 1830

Situated in Buffalo's Black Rock neighborhood, Market Square Park is a green space and a living piece of history. Back in 1830, General Peter B. Porter gifted this land to the community as a public market.

The park sits at the core of the Market Square Historic District, earning spots on both State and National Registers of Historic Places in 2011. Pretty significant for a neighborhood park!

What You'll Find

Don't expect your typical square park here. Instead, you'll discover grassy medians stretching along both sides of Amherst Street between Niagara and Dearborn Streets. Mature elm and oak trees line these strips, offering welcome shade during Buffalo's warmer months.

The park maintains its original 1830 footprint - a notable historical continuity in our ever-changing urban landscape. Since 2022, a concrete stage/pad has given the community a proper space for events and performances.

Take a Break

Need a moment to yourself? The bench seating areas installed in 2022 provide perfect spots to enjoy lunch, read a book, or simply watch the world go by.

If you're bringing the kids along, they'll appreciate the Little Free Library and chalkboard for some screen-free entertainment. Dog parents, you can find a dog waste station for your convenience, but remember your furry friends need to stay leashed - it's city law.

The Neighborhood Gathering Spot

Market Square Park functions as a community space within Black Rock. The way it connects with the surrounding historic district creates a village center atmosphere within the urban setting.

Look around and you'll notice an interesting mix of architecture - 19th-century buildings standing alongside modern structures, from local businesses to community churches and homes.

Art and Community

The park has embraced its role as a cultural hub with the "We Are Black Rock" mural and the "People of Black Rock" public art installation, both expanded in 2022.

All year long, you might catch open-air markets or free community concerts here. There's a growing effort to attract visitors from beyond Black Rock to discover this Niagara Street space.

A Nod to History

In 1945, a monument to Judge George P. Burd was added, another layer to the park's historical significance.

Today, Market Square Park continues its nearly two-century tradition as a community space, maintaining its role as a village center within Buffalo's urban landscape.