Riverside Park
Interactive Park Map
About the Location
Historic Design
Riverside Park is a historic 22-acre public park located in the Riverside neighborhood of Buffalo, New York. Designed by the Olmsted Brothers firm in 1898, it was the final addition to Buffalo's park system envisioned by Frederick Law Olmsted Sr.
The park is situated on a bluff overlooking the Niagara River, offering scenic views of the waterway. Originally established on the site of a former private picnic ground, Riverside Park was intended to provide residents with access to the river and opportunities for active recreation.
Original Features
The initial design featured a formal fountain and music court, carriage drives, ball fields, and a series of shallow "minnow pools" meandering through a grove of trees.
Over the years, the park has undergone various changes and additions. In 1912, an additional 17 acres were added to the southern portion of the park.
Modern Evolution
The construction of the New York State Thruway (I-190) in the 1950s disrupted the park's direct connection to the waterfront, though a pedestrian bridge was later added to restore access.
Today, Riverside Park continues to serve as a vital community space, hosting various recreational activities and events. While some original design elements have been lost or altered, efforts have been made to restore certain features.
Restoration Efforts
In 2014, the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy reinterpreted the original minnow pools as a dry rain garden, aiming to recapture some of the park's historic character.
