The most prominent feature of the 32-acre Front Park is the semi-circular terrace designed to command a panoramic view of Lake Erie and the opening of the Niagara River.  With the river as background, the park became an impressive setting for the enjoyment of scenery. Olmsted’s intent for Front Park was for entertainment, recreation, and civic display. His 1871 design includes a playground, grassy fields for baseball and cricket, a graveled terrace, and a proposed music stand. Olmsted believed baseball was a very democratic sport because anyone could play, therefore he placed them in his parks. Other Features of this park include the statue of Commodore Perry and the renovated shelter house.

The Parrott Rifles, a type of muzzle-loading artillery weapon, were restored and returned to their original location on the park’s terrace in 2013.

Intrusions on Olmsted’s Front Park include the construction of a bridge to connect the U. S. and Canada. Named the Peace Bridge, it was opened to traffic on June 1, 1925.  As modern traffic increased new highways resulted in expansion of the Peace Bridge and its vehicle approaches.  It claimed a significant portion of park land.  Today, the essential elements remain, but the Front is situated in uncomfortable proximity to the encroaching road network and effectively destroyed the park’s scenic view of the river.

Self-Guided Mobile Audio Tour of Olmsted’s West Side

Experience Olmsted’s West Side with the free self-guided mobile audio tour. From Front Park to Colonial Circle, there are several points of interest to learn from.

West Side Audio Tour presented by Rich Products