Delaware Park: Buffalo's Olmsted Masterpiece

Delaware Park, the centerpiece of Buffalo's Olmsted park system, offers a diverse landscape and a rich history. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux between 1868 and 1870, the 350-acre park was intended as a rural escape from urban life. Originally named 'The Park,' it was later renamed Delaware Park due to its proximity to Delaware Avenue. The park is divided into two main areas: the 243-acre 'Meadow Park' to the east and the 133-acre 'Water Park' to the west. The Meadow Park features open green spaces, a golf course, and the Buffalo Zoo. The Water Park is home to Hoyt Lake, the Japanese Garden, the Marcy Casino, and the Rose Garden. Hoyt Lake, originally called Gala Water, was created by damming Scajaquada Creek. Throughout its history, Delaware Park has served as a hub for recreation and culture. In 1901, the park hosted the Pan-American Exposition, attracting thousands of visitors. While some original features have been lost over time, many remain, including walking paths, the stone pedestrian bridge in Rumsey Woods, and the Japanese Garden. Today, Delaware Park continues to be a vibrant community asset, offering a wide range of activities such as boating on Hoyt Lake, Shakespeare in the Park, and visits to the Buffalo History Museum and Albright-Knox Art Gallery. Despite the construction of the Scajaquada Expressway in the 1960s, which bisected the park, Delaware Park remains a cherished green space in the heart of Buffalo.