Here is an update on the parks system and volunteer information if you want to help out!

Riverside Park - Open to the public today. This is the ONLY Omsted Park that is now open. The other parks in the system (Cazenovia, Delaware, Front, Martin Luther King, Jr. and South Parks) remain closed as Olmsted staff and professional contractors tirelessly work to clean up the damage sustained by the snowstorm and to make the parks safe again for all users. While portions of each of the parks may already be cleared of major hazards, there is still pruning and tree debris removal, so please stay out of the parks. We extend our thanks to the community for their patience, support and cooperation during this time of disaster recovery.

Cazenovia Park - the park took a heavy hit from the October 12th storm with a multitude of trees affected. Volunteers, ages 15 and over, who can manually lift and remove debris from the ground, are needed this Saturday, October 28 and Sunday, October 29, beginning at 9:00 a.m. to assist. Meet at the Caz Casino. (See notes below regarding important volunteer details.)

South Park - debris removal continues. Volunteers, ages 15 and over, who can manually lift and remove debris from the ground, are needed this Saturday, October 28, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Meet in front of the Botanical Gardens. (See notes below regarding important volunteer details.)

Delaware Park - while debris has been cleared from some sections of the system’s largest park, professional contractors are focusing on removal of the brush from Rumsey Woods (off of Rumsey Rd. & Lincoln Parkway) and Crandall Woods (near Colvin and Amherst Streets). Both are two heavily wooded areas that suffered damage. Volunteers, ages 15 and over, who can manually lift and remove debris from the ground, are needed this Saturday, October 28 at 9:00 a.m. in the Japanese Garden to assist. (See notes below regarding important volunteer details.)

Volunteers can also assist in Rumsey Woods on Saturday, October 28 at 9:00 a.m. Meet by the playground (near the Rose Garden) in Delaware Park. (See notes below regarding important volunteer details.)

Martin Luther King, Jr. Park - professional contractors are currently cutting and trimming hazardous trees.

Front Park - damage recovery continues. Front Park remains under construction for restoration work that is expected to be completed next spring.

Circles, Parkways & Smaller spaces:

McKinley & McClellan Circles, McKinley and Red Jacket Parkways in South Buffalo - attention will be focused on those areas next week.

Ferry Circle and Symphony Circle - clean up has been completed!

Colonial Circle - clean up expected to be completed today.

Days Park and Prospect Park - clean up completed! Thank you to neighbors who assisted in the clean up.

Soldiers Circle, Gates Circle, Bidwell, Chapin, Lincoln Parkways - while much has been done to gather the debris, these areas suffered greatly and the Conservancy will, with the help of supportive nearby volunteer and neighborhood groups, continue to use its resources to clear these areas and make plans for future reforestation.

Important Volunteer notes:

• Volunteers will be managed and supervised by Olmsted staff and will be asked to work in specific areas of the Olmsted Park that are deemed safe for pedestrians.
• Volunteers must be at least 15 years of age.
• Volunteers should come dressed for the weather and must have appropriate boots (work boots) and gloves (heavy gloves to protect hands while picking up and lifting tree branches, bark, etc.).
• Volunteers should wear goggles.
• Volunteers should be in good physical shape and able to lift and carry tree branches and limbs of all shapes and weights.
• Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own water bottles and food or snacks. Park concession areas will not be available.
• Volunteers will not use any power tools.
• Volunteers should not bring any type of power tools.
• Volunteers must call #308-2361 to confirm their availability.
• Volunteers are being asked to commit to a minimum of 2 hours.

The Conservancy wishes to thank all of those who have already assisted in the recovery efforts.

Buffalo is the city of good neighbors and such an amazing community spirit…please help out if you can!

RSS 2.0 Respond Trackback