BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The City of Buffalo has reached a new 12-year agreement with the Olmsted Parks Conservancy which will provide city money for maintenance of the parks and parkways.
The city owns the 850 acres of Olmsted space while the Conservancy operates, manages and improves the land, the agreement spans from July 1st, 2019 until December 31st, 2030.
The Conservancy will collect all revenue from park facilities they manage (golf courses, casino building rentals and small concessions) for park operation costs as part of the new agreement.
This partnership is grounded in collaboration and cooperation for the betterment and sustainability of our unique historic parks. Good partners find balance and innovation for resources, and that’s how we intend to move forward in our mission to steward Olmsted’s legacy in partnership with the mayor, his deputy commissioner of parks, our Common Council and a supportive Western New York legislative delegation, so all our residents and visitors can access and enjoy these public assets.
Since 2006 the city has invested over $67 million in parks citywide, with an approximate $30 million in capital funding secured for improvements to the parks system.
As part of the agreement, 66 percent of the Conservancy's Board of Trustees must be city residents and 100 percent of the Conservancy's workforce must be city residents.
This agreement guarantees that Buffalo’s residents, and our friends from all over Western New York, will continue to enjoy our Olmsted parks and the many attractions they offer. We recognize the Conservancy’s valuable role in administering and maintaining our city’s Olmsted parks, parkways and circles at appropriate levels of excellence and this Agreement encourages the Conservancy’s continued commitment to park maintenance, fiscal accountability, and promoting the enhancement of the City’s world-class Olmsted Park System. As we continue to build a City of opportunity where all people prosper, I’m also pleased that this Agreement promotes a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.”
