Johnson Park

Johnson Park and South Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY

Submitted by: A Gareis

This public space was the first park in Buffalo, NY.

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Why It Works

1.01 acres of land boasting 100+ year old chestnuts and oaks, this is a public space that experiences outdoor plays and children's fairs and events each year. The first Mayor of Buffalo, Ebenezer Johnson, deeded his estate to the city to create the first park and then modeled it after other urban, residential parks in NYC and Washington, DC. This is also the site of one of Grover Cleveland's residences during his law school days.

The residents of the park reformatted the Johnson Park Association (JPA) as a 501 c 3 nonprofit group and have changed this former site of urban blight and decomposition into what Buffalo Spree Magazine terms one of Western New York’s "Great Neighborhoods" within one year's time.

New York’s Senator Hillary Clinton has commended the JPA for their work in education of grammar school children on the roles and responsibility to their land and the history of their own region...“With the vision and planning of the Johnson Park Association, the greenway environment in the West Village of Buffalo can, and will, become a hub of education and development for area youth.” - United States Senator (D-NY) Hillary Rodham Clinton

What Makes Johnson Park a Great Place?

Public use includes students from Hutchinson-Technical High School for various outdoor classes and activities, The Herman-Badillo Elementary School for recess and physical fitness, T'ai Chi Lessons each Saturday, The New Phoenix Theatre outdoor performances each summer, "Arts in the Park - Back to Our Roots" celebration of families, children and culture; lunchtime visits from workers in the downtown area., and much more.

An easy walk through this space provides a partnership with nature and history. A monument from the students of Hutch-Tech HS greets the visitor with the history of the park. A wide path through the length provides easy access for all. The 100+ year old oaks and chestnuts along with the Victorian circular gardens provide a space for children and their guardians to talk about how things were and can be again.

The park is also surrounded by homes, 83% of which were built pre-Civil War, mostly of brick due to a city ordinance after the great Burning of Buffalo.

The Buffalo Parks Department and residents have partnered to keep the park green clean and well manicured. More gardens are being added each year.

The JPA also dedicated the park back to the people during an interdenominational park blessing this past July. Peter BonSey of TLC's "While You Were Out" is also a contributor to this great, historic space. We have also dedicated a website to the history and future of this greenspace.

Hacky-sack, frisbee, picnics, meetings, lunch and dinner stops, theatre, musical performances, films in the summer, children's festivals, community cookouts, T'ai Chi and self-defense courses are all available.

We are truly a family here - the JPA also has created a neighborhood relief fund to assure all around are taken care of in time of need. Neighbors meet and greet visitors with history brochures and architectural guides. It is truly a welcoming and warm place in downtown Buffalo.

Contact Info:

Johnson Park Association: -716-847-8478
Marilyn Rodgers, President, Johnson Park Association

User Comments:

> Add your own comment about Johnson Park

11/04/03 Rand Robinson said:: Having been born and raised on Johnson Park, It is truly a blessing how the Johnson Park Homeowners Association and their leadership have transformed the area into a great place to live once again. Hats off to their tireless efforts, and thanks for helping me to preserve part of my heritage.
12/02/03 A Gareis said:: Johnson Park is a lost jewel in the heart of downtown Buffalo. Recently, through the efforts of the Johnson Park Association more folks have come to know it as a great gathering place for families, kids and even educators. On December 2, 2003 the JPA presented an historical tour to a number of teachers in the Western New York area as a partner with the Niagara Frontier Industry Education Council.

Johnson Park's historic value is a lesson to be learned in how a city was started and how we, as citizens, can return to those roots to learn how to revitalize our cities and teach our children responsibility and civic pride. I congratulate the Johnson Park Association and their members for their continuing efforts in these areas.
12/30/03 Marilyn Rodgers said:: Johnson Park is backed by a tremendous grass roots organization - the Johnson Park Association. Through their dedication and sweat equity, Johnson Park has risen from a deteriorated state filled with drugs and vagrants to a civic space for children and families alike. The annual "Arts in the Park" event brings in young, old, suburbanites and city folk together for a celebration of what it was like when Johnson Park was first established as Buffalo's first park space. Kudos to the Johnson Park Association for recognizing the value of this space and its future for the community of Buffalo, NY.
09/16/05 B STUMP said:: Johnson Park is the quaintest park in Buffalo. Lined with houses dating to the mid-1800's and filled with trees at least that old, it is really beautiful. The gardens and the New Phoenix Theater in the Park add to the charm. This park is the crown jewel of Buffalo's historic neighborhood, the West Village, which is also home to some of Buffalo's oldest, most amzaing houses...not to mention awesome neighbors.