Mayor Sean Ryan has announced the commencement of Phase 2 construction at Ralph Wilson Park, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of Buffalo's waterfront.

This phase introduces a 130-foot-long model lake freighter play structure, extensive landscaping, new playground installations, pathway and roadway developments, shoreline enhancements, and the completion of remaining waterfront features.

The project is divided into three components:

Phase 2A allocates $3.4 million for playground equipment procurement.

Phase 2B designates $7.5 million for subsurface infrastructure and site preparation beneath the playground and surrounding areas.

Phase 2C commits $67.5 million for playground installation, landscaping, pathways, roadways, and shoreline improvements.

Mayor Ryan emphasized the project's transformative impact, stating it will create a destination for generations of Buffalonians to enjoy.

The Ralph Wilson Park Conservancy expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the city, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, and numerous partners in realizing this community-driven vision.

David Egner, president and CEO of the foundation, highlighted the community-driven vision guiding the park's transformation from the outset.

Mary Wilson, life trustee of the foundation, noted the park's design aims to bring together people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests, reflecting Ralph's legacy of uniting communities.

While construction areas remain closed, residents can enjoy completed amenities such as the community-designed playground, skate park, splash pad, swimming pool, football field, temporary dog park, and the Levitt VIBE concert series along Fourth Street.

The park's design was shaped through the Imagine LaSalle initiative, incorporating feedback from over 1,200 local stakeholders.

Originally planned as a 30-40 acre redevelopment, the project expanded to 100 acres based on community input, now including major infrastructure improvements like a new pedestrian bridge over the I-190 and a reconstructed sea wall.

The multiphased construction began in July 2023, focusing on converting the vertical cement seawall into a resilient, naturalized slope to improve habitat and reduce flooding.

The pedestrian bridge enhances safe waterfront access from Buffalo’s lower west side through Fourth Street Park.

In 2018, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation committed to supporting the transformation of the former LaSalle Park into a best-in-class destination, with funding from city, state, and federal sources, as well as private contributions.