Empire State Development Announces Groundbreaking for $2.3 Million in Improvements at Sears-Paderewski Park on Buffalo’s East Side
New playground, stage pavilion, and green infrastructure will create vibrant spaces for recreation and neighborhood gatherings
View project rendering here
Empire State Development today announced the groundbreaking for $2.3 million in comprehensive revitalizations to Sears-Paderewski Park on Buffalo’s East Side. The project will bring a new playground, a modern stage pavilion, and improved green space to the neighborhood, alongside critical tree plantings and green infrastructure to help manage stormwater.
For decades, many of Buffalo’s community parks—particularly on the East Side—experienced neglect, at a significant cost to the health and well-being of residents and children. The decision to completely transform Sears-Paderewski Park was made in direct response to community requests from the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood for more green spaces, trees, and recreational opportunities. The renovations across three city-owned parcels—an abandoned pavement-covered lot and two adjacent vacant lots—are expected to be fully complete by next spring. New York State committed $1.2 million in direct assistance for this project.
“Access to safe, beautiful green spaces where children can play and neighbors can gather is vital for every community,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “For too long, parks in neighborhoods like Broadway-Fillmore have been overlooked. Today, we are turning the page by transforming Buffalo’s Sears-Paderewski Park into a vibrant hub of recreation, culture, and community life—building a healthier, stronger East Side for the future.”
“Every Buffalo neighborhood deserves a welcoming park where children can play, families can spend time together, and neighbors can get to know one another,” said City of Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan. “This investment in Sears-Paderewski Park will give residents a place to come together and enjoy their neighborhood for years to come. I thank Governor Hochul, Councilmember Nowakowski, NewCity Parks, Erie County, and all our funding and community partners for making these improvements possible.”
Supported by $1.2 million in New York State funding—via $630,000 in Department of State Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) funding and $600,000 from ESD—the revitalized park will offer residents more opportunities to play, gather, and spend time outdoors. The playground will feature rubber safety surface, while environmental improvements will help the park absorb stormwater, reduce runoff, and filter out urban pollutants.
The city’s Department of Parks and Recreation partnered with NewCity Parks to secure grant funding for the improvements. Complementing state support, additional project partners include:
- National Fish and Wildlife Foundation: $416,400
- Erie County: $375,000
- NewCity Parks: $230,000
- Buffalo Sewer Authority: $50,000
Construction began in late September, and playground equipment installation is underway. Installation is expected to be completed later this fall, with the remaining project work scheduled for completion in spring 2027.
To ensure long-term care and community stewardship, the Department of Parks and Recreation is partnering with local block clubs and community organizations through the city’s Adopt-a-Park program. These partnerships will help maintain the community garden and ornamental flower beds, giving neighbors an active, hands-on role in caring for the space.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Governor Hochul is investing in a greener, more vibrant future for Buffalo’s East Side. The expansion of Sears-Paderewski Park will bring new open space and sustainable infrastructure to Broadway-Fillmore, creating a welcoming place for neighbors to gather and enjoy. These investments strengthen community pride and support lasting economic vitality.”
New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “The Buffalo comeback story continues to unfold in dramatic fashion with the construction of Sears-Paderewski Park, an iconic gathering space that is being given new life and vitality with this Downtown Revitalization Initiative investment. The rich history, diversity and culture of the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood will be on full display in this totally revamped park, which will provide a safe and comfortable place for people of all ages to interact, play, exercise and enjoy the public life of the neighborhood.”
NewCity Parks Executive Director Rose Harvey said, “Equitable access to high-quality and close-to-home parks is more important than ever. We are thrilled to partner with the City of Buffalo on transforming this paved lot into a new, green, welcoming park that offers residents opportunities to play, gather, and connect with nature.”
Senator April N.M. Baskins said, “Parks are an important part of what makes a neighborhood a great place to live. This investment will give children in the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood a safe place to play and bring new life to an area residents have long wanted to see improved. I’m glad to see New York State funding projects that improve our communities.”
Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “Investing in our neighborhoods is investing in the people residing in those neighborhoods. Creating more greenspace, a new playground, and pavilion at Sears-Paderewski ties the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood closer together and becomes a model for further revitalization of parks across the City of Buffalo. I thank Governor Hochul, Erie County, and all the funders and partners for recognizing this neighborhood need and getting the job done.”
Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, “This project creates a beautiful new park by completely transforming three disused parcels, making an oasis for families, neighbors and children where there had been nothing. Investments in parks are investments in a better, healthier community and Erie County is proud to join our partners in making this possible.”
Fillmore District Council Member Mitch Nowakowski said, “Investing in our neighborhoods means investing in communal spaces. Sears-Paderewski Park is an opportunity to transform an underutilized lot into a welcoming green space where families and neighbors can connect. This project reflects what happens when we listen to the community and invest in what residents want and deserve. I'm proud to stand here today at the start of this project and I look forward to seeing this space serve the Broadway-Fillmore neighborhood for generations.”
About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State, with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative “plan-then-act” strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation. Through nine rounds, the DRI has awarded a total of $1 billion to 99 communities across every region of the State.
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state’s 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state’s world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.
Contact:
Pamm Lent (ESD) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 | (800) 260-7313
Laura Magee (ESD) | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313
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