Centennial Park

Ralph Wilson Park is a 100-acre waterfront park located in Buffalo, New York, situated along the shore of Lake Erie where it meets the Niagara River. Formerly known as LaSalle Park, it is currently undergoing a $110 million transformation based on a community-driven initiative called Imagine LaSalle.

The park offers visitors waterfront views, walking and biking trails, and various recreational amenities. It is one of the largest waterfront parks in Buffalo and is situated only ten minutes from downtown. The park's location at the confluence of Lake Erie and the Niagara River provides a unique setting for outdoor activities and nature appreciation.

As part of its redesign, the park will feature a new resilient shoreline that aims to provide habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife while reducing flooding risks. This environmental enhancement will allow visitors to experience Lake Erie in new ways, including a safe area for launching small boats.

A key feature of the park's renovation is a new pedestrian bridge designed by Schlaich Bergermann Partner, which will span Interstate 190, connecting the city to the park and improving accessibility for nearby neighborhoods. The redesign also includes the creation of a Great Lawn with rolling topography, offering flexible spaces for various activities such as strolling, picnicking, and sledding.

The park renovation plans to plant approximately 2,000 new trees, which will provide shade, wind protection, and seasonal interest. Existing sports facilities are being upgraded, and a new Play Garden inspired by Buffalo's industrial history and Great Lakes ecology is being added. The park will also connect to regional and statewide trail systems through expanded pedestrian and bike paths.

Ralph Wilson Park aims to become a regional waterfront destination and a hub for its diverse surrounding neighborhoods, setting a new standard for public space design in Western New York. The park's transformation is expected to be completed in phases, with the first phase slated for completion in late 2025.