April 8, 2024 will always be known as the day the City of Buffalo had the best seat in the universe to experience totality during a once-in-a-generation cosmic phenomenon known as a total solar eclipse.
Buffalo’s Olmsted Parks provided prime viewing, with one park offering a perfect view over Lake Erie. It was truly unforgettable.
Preparation for this day began a year earlier on April 8, 2023, when two Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy (BOPC) staff toured Olmsted’s first-in-the-nation park system to identify ideal viewing spots. BOPC then went into planning mode, participating in conversations with the Buffalo Eclipse Consortium, Visit Buffalo Niagara as well as our cultural and park partners.
The goal was to prepare the parks for safe and accessible eclipse viewing while minimizing impact on the green spaces, athletic fields and golf courses. Some planning details include:
- Working with the City of Buffalo to issue a press release on enjoying the parks on Eclipse Day and a reminder on park rules
- Identifying signage required
- Creating materials that promote designated viewing areas in the park system
- Working with the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) on promoting the use public transit over personal vehicles
- Recruiting volunteers to assist with set-up, information sharing and trash pick-up post-Eclipse
Eclipse Day was a day we will always remember! The following are photos of staff and visitors engaging in some Eclipse fun!
Zhi Ting Phua is the Director of Engagement and Inclusion for the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy.
