Mayor Scanlon Kicks Off Phase 1 Construction of Long-Awaited Houghton Park Redevelopment

Buffalo, NY - Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon today officially kicked off construction on Phase 1 of the long-anticipated Houghton Park Redevelopment Project.

"When we invest in our parks, we invest in people. Parks are where families gather, children play, seniors find peace, and communities come together," said Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon. "These green spaces directly affect quality of life, public health, and neighborhood pride. Every dollar we spend on restoring our parks is a dollar spent on building a safer, healthier, and more connected Buffalo

Joined by Buffalo Common Council President and Lovejoy District Council Member Bryan Bollman, Department of Public Works Commissioner Nate Marton, project partners, the Kaisertown Coalition, and members of the Kaisertown community.

Phase 1 of the Houghton Park Redevelopment carries a total cost of $2.348 million and is funded through a combination of City resources allocated from the American Rescue Plan and county funds secured by Erie County Legislature Chair Tim Meyers through the Urban Initiatives program.

This first phase includes a range of critical upgrades:

• Construction of a new parking area
• Natural restoration of the former lot
• Improved drainage and park pathways
• Enhanced perimeter security with boulders, bollards, and security cameras
• New park lighting
• Infield upgrades at the baseball diamond
• Grading for a new multi-use athletic field
• Tree planting and updated park signage

Buffalo Common Council President & Lovejoy District Common Council Member Bryan Bollman said, "A significant investment is being made in Houghton Park over the coming years, thanks to a strong partnership between all levels of government. I am grateful to all of our partners who have supported our efforts to revitalize Houghton Park. Once completed, this park will offer a space for enjoyable recreation for all members of our community for generations to come."

Erie County Legislature Chair Tim Meyers said, "The redevelopment of Houghton Park represents a proud moment for our community and a meaningful step forward for Buffalo's East Side. This long-awaited project reflects years of advocacy, collaboration, and a shared vision for a more inclusive and vibrant public space. Erie County is proud to be a partner in this transformation - one that not only enhances recreational opportunities but also strengthens the social fabric of our neighborhoods. As Chair of the Erie County Legislature, I am proud to have invested in this project as part of a longstanding promise to keep our parks safe, clean, and accessible for all residents. I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Christopher Scanlon, and my other partners in government for their leadership and collaboration in making this vision a reality. I look forward to seeing Houghton Park become a cornerstone of community pride for generations to come."

Construction timeline for Phase 1, noting that work will progress throughout the spring and summer.

Looking ahead, Mayor Scanlon also shared plans for a future $9.1 million investment to construct a new pool, splash pad, and locker rooms at Houghton Park-funded through the NY Swims Grant awarded by Governor Kathy Hochul. Design work for that phase is expected to begin in 2026, with construction following in 2027