Media Advisory: Kids can have their say at next LaSalle Park public workshop

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Imagine LaSalle park redesign project will hold its first workshop since the May 2019 reveal of the conceptual design on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

At this session, children of all ages will be asked to provide their ideas for playground design elements with a fun, hands-on activity.

Members of the media are welcome to cover the workshop, and may arrive at 5:30 p.m. to preview materials and talk with a project spokesperson.

What: Imagine LaSalle public workshop

When: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11

Where: Waterfront Elementary BPS #95, 4^th St. Buffalo, NY 14201

Who:

• The University at Buffalo’s School of Architecture and Planning and the UB Regional Institute (UBRI) are leading the public engagement part of the project.
  
• Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates (MVVA) is leading the conceptual design of LaSalle Park.
• The Buffalo Urban Development Corporation and the City of Buffalo are overseeing the overall project development.

Why: To gather input from children on playground design ideas for the park’s planned Play Garden, and to update the public on the design work for Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park that has happened over the summer.

Representatives from MVVA will briefly recap the work completed over summer 2019, including technical studies, new project partnerships, design adjustments and more. MVVA will also outline the work that still lies ahead in the coming months. After the short presentation, kids will complete a creative, hands-on activity to help refine ideas for the park’s Play Garden. Adults will also have an opportunity to provide input on playground design.

In October 2018, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation announced a commitment of $50 million for capital improvements and an endowment for LaSalle Park. In addition, the foundation is providing support for the ongoing design and community engagement process to transform LaSalle Park into Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park.

Project website: http://ImagineLaSalle.org