JFK Recreation Center

JFK Recreation Center is a community park and recreational facility located in Buffalo, New York. The center, named after President John F. Kennedy, was established in the 1960s as part of urban renewal efforts in the Willert Park neighborhood on Buffalo's East Side.

Spanning 21.4 acres, JFK Recreation Center offers a variety of outdoor spaces and facilities for local residents. The park features well-maintained paths and open green areas suitable for walking, jogging, and other recreational activities. The center serves as an important community asset, providing meeting spaces, recreational facilities, and programs aimed at building healthy communities.

The Community Action Organization of Western New York operates the center, offering health and education programs for community members. Additionally, the City of Buffalo's Division of Parks and Recreation provides youth athletic programs and other community services at the facility. The center also serves as a recreational space for nearby schools, including Bennett Park Montessori (PS #32) and Buffalo Elementary School of Technology (PS #6).

In recent years, the City of Buffalo and Buffalo Sewer have invested in infrastructure improvements at the center, including the installation of rain gardens in the parking area. These green infrastructure elements help reduce stormwater runoff while beautifying the space and serving as an educational tool for visitors.