October 1, 2014 – American Planning Association (APA) designated Delaware Park as one of the 2014 Great Places in America; this designation puts Buffalo in the national spotlight again, building on the positive momentum that includes over $5 billion in new economic development activity.
The American Planning Association (APA) today announced that Delaware Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, has earned the designation as one of its Great Places in America for 2014. Mayor Byron Brown, joined by members of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy (BOPC), applauded the selection of Delaware Park, one of Buffalo’s most treasured cultural assets. APA ‘Great Places in America’ program was launched in 2007 and represents the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement, and a vision for tomorrow. 
“We’re honored that our historic Delaware Park is one of a select few parks in the country to be singled out by the American Planning Association as a Great Public Space,” said Mayor Brown, noting his administration’s over $35 million investment in parks citywide since 2006. “Our city’s sprawling network of parks, which includes Delaware Park, makes Buffalo a world-class destination to live, work and visit. And, through the City of Buffalo’s unique partnership with Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, we will continue to ensure this park and parks citywide further succeed at a time when Buffalo enters a new era of opportunity that includes over $5 billion in new economic development activity and the creation of over 12,000 new jobs. I’m honored that the American Planning Association has recognized Buffalo’s Delaware Park as one of 10 Great Public Spaces in America for 2014.
”The City of Buffalo is a major partner of BOPC, contributing $1,200,000 annually for the reported total BOPC operating budget, along with additional parks personnel, city funding for critical infrastructure repairs, utilities and more. Approximately $20 million in capital funding has also been secured by the city since 2006 for improvements to the historic Olmsted system.
“The parks improve our quality of life,” said Kevin Kelly, Board Chair of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. “Buffalo is going through an economic rebirth right now and we must thank Mayor Byron Brown and the City of Buffalo for their ongoing support. This national recognition from the APA represents what we can accomplish when we all work together.”
Each October during National Community Planning Month, APA’s Great Places in America program names 30 exemplary streets, neighborhoods and public spaces that add value to communities and foster economic growth and jobs. APA’s Great Streets, Great Neighborhoods and Great Public Spaces feature unique and authentic characteristics that have evolved from years of thoughtful and deliberate planning by residents, community leaders and planners.
