Senator Kennedy Joins Olmsted Parks Conservancy to Announce $90,000 Grant for Improvements at Cazenovia Park

Kennedy Joins Mayor Byron Brown, Councilmember Chris Scanlon to Outline Impact of New State Funding Secured for South Buffalo Park

Money Will Be Used to Spruce Up Entryway to Park and Incorporate Pedestrian-Friendly Enhancements

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Senator Tim Kennedy (D-Buffalo), Mayor Byron Brown, and Councilman Chris Scanlon joined Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy Executive Director Stephanie Crockatt Friday to announce that Kennedy has secured $90,000 in state funding that will be used to make improvements at the historic Cazenovia Park in South Buffalo. Project details include enhancing the Abbott Road entrance to the park, repaving several hundred feet of pathway to provide smoother trails for bikers, walkers, and families, and installing wayfinding signage for pedestrians. The project will go to bid this summer, and construction will begin, and be completed, in the fall.

“As someone who is raising my family in South Buffalo, I know firsthand how overdue these improvements are, and that they’ll be a welcome sight for those who visit Cazenovia Park often,” said Senator Tim Kennedy. “By investing in Western New York’s parks, the state is also investing in the millions who use and enjoy them every year. I’m proud to help deliver a win for Olmsted Parks and their incredible team, who go above and beyond to maintain our park’s beauty, cleanliness, and accessibility.”

“The Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy is indebted to the vision and support of Senator Kennedy in bringing improvements to his district’s parks,” said Stephanie Crockatt, executive director. “Senator Kennedy’s gift and investment in the historic Olmsted system is another critical piece to the reconnecting the community in Cazenovia Park.”

“I want to thank Sen. Kennedy for his commitment to our parks through the allocation of state funding to improve the Abbott Road entry way and pedestrian paths throughout Cazenovia Park.” said South District Councilmember Christopher P. Scanlon. “Over the past 6 years, the City of Buffalo has invested millions of dollars improving Caz, including new tennis and basketball courts, upgrades to the casino, pool, and ice rink, and a complete mill and overlay of Warren Spahn Parkway. The state funded projects slated for this fall will complement the previously completed upgrades, providing residents with the first-class park they deserve.”

The funding announcement comes almost a year after Kennedy joined Scanlon and Brown to detail $3 million infrastructure improvements along Abbott Road, as well as the warren Spahn bridge, which crosses over Cazenovia Creek in Cazenovia Park. Those funds were allocated in a previous state budget.

Cazenovia Park, an 83-acre historic park, was designed by Olmsted, Olmsted & Eliot between 1892 and 1894. Centered around Cazenovia Creek, the park features the Crotty Casino, constructed in 1912, the Shelter House, constructed in 1902 and restored in 2016, Tosh Collins Community Center, and recreational facilities such as an ice rink, swimming pool, golf course, splash pad, basketball courts, and baseball diamonds.  

###