Delaware Park

Evaluating three potential sites in Buffalo, Frederick Law Olmsted designed The Park to his ideal standard. After his preliminary visit to the city in 1868, a local newspaper reported on Olmsted’s final decision, writing “The soil was of desirable character: there were groves of splendid trees upon it; the land was undulating, and should require less labor, in beautifying and improving; and a lake could be formed from Scajaquada creek, which runs through it.” [Commercial Advertiser_1868_FLO Papers-v.6-p.271]. The Park was planned for leisure activities such as boating, walking, and lounging, and thus was designed in a picturesque and pastoral style. Now known as Delaware Park, the 350-acre site consists of two sub-areas: Meadow Park and Water Park. An additional 12 acres, referred to as The Ravine, were added in 1887. (See job 00719 as well as job 00702.)