PEOPLE ARE TOUGH ON PARKS. ESPECIALLY THE GRASS.
Take Days Park for example. It’s a small park, located at the corner of Allen and Wadsworth that doesn’t get much sun (due to the amount of trees), yet gets a ton of foot traffic.
Days Park is known as the lost Olmsted Park – it was part of his original Olmsted plan for the city, before the system was supersized to encompass the entirety of the city. It was not that long ago that Days Park was widely recognized as an Olmsted-designed park.
“In 1887, Olmsted submitted his park concept for Buffalo, which included plans for Days Park.”
Days Park has endured a turbulent history. At one point, the historic fountain was destroyed, only to be replaced at a later date.
Then, that fountain was stolen by a group of people disguised as City workers. Eventually, the fountain was rebuilt and restored to its original location, which is how we find it today.
Four years ago, the cumulative restoration and beautification efforts made by the residents surrounding the park hit an all time high. Unfortunately, any effort to seed the lawn was in vain. It was decided that a fundraiser would be held that would raise money to restore the lawn, which is now tended by the Olmsted Parks Conservancy. 2017 marks the fourth year that the barbecue fundraiser will be held. According to volunteers, last year’s success enabled the second half of the park to be re-seeded.
So far, the efforts are paying off, and the lawn is slowly but surely returning to a stable state.
4th Annual Weidner’s Chicken BBQ Fundraiser
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
3pm – 6:30pm
Tickets: Presale $10 | Day of – $12
Buy Tickets: m.bpt.me/event/
Meals can be picked up to go, or stay and enjoy dinner in the park with your neighbors – organizers will be grilling on site this year. Tables and chairs, beverages and desserts, and activities for kids will be available. Or, pack a picnic blanket and relax with the family. A vegetarian meal option is available (cold salads platter). Please choose the vegetarian option at point of purchase. In the event of rain, all activity will be moved inside Elmwood Village Charter School. Don’t forget your ticket/proof of purchase the day of to redeem your meal. No purchases can be refunded – it’s all for a good cause!
