Riverside Park

Quiverside Park has stunning views that are enough to turn most people to jelly. Including girls, if you’re into girls, which I’m clearly not.
I walk through Riverside Park once in awhile. If you’re going to Lin Restaurant or the Zip’s Pizza over here, then it’s a perfect prelude to a meal, or a post-​meal walking spot.
Last time I was here it was bitterly cold and honestly I didn’t enjoy it. I got my shoes muddy and wet and almost slipped over. But if you’re walking around parks in Buffalo winters, that’ll happen. Too much snow and nothing grows. However when I come here in the summer, it’s absolutely lovely. I like to bring friends here and then to Lin for food. I haven’t taken too many people there, but I’m looking forward to taking more people. It’s a cheaper, better version of Sun.
It’s a lovely park in an underrated and underprivileged part of town. Nearby, you have Lin Restaurant and Suzy Q’s BBQ, 2 of the best eateries in town. The views of the River are absolutely spectacular.
There are problems with this park, such as the heavy traffic on the 190 and it being small, not always clean, and surrounded by roads… but with these views and giving a nice open space for pets and kids in a neighborhood that needs and deserves it, I have to give it a high 5.
And if you come to this park and drink alcohol, then you may damage your Liverside at Riverside.

My Unilocal friend as we’re walking through the park: «Are we safe here?»
If you’re like most who live out in the suburbs, you may be afraid of Riverside or Black Rock or even «the city of Buffalo.» Don’t be. This is a great park near some fantastic restaurants (Lin is right near by and absolutely delicious) with a gorgeous view of the Niagara River.
You won’t find grill amenities (as far as I have scouted), but there are plenty of benches to enjoy the flowing river (in our case, we got to see some fog and the last bits of ice floating around and melting) and even the 190 highway.
Perhaps you think a view of a highway isn’t the sexiest thing in the world in a park. I would say there is nothing sexier. For bonus points, sit on the bench and play the «yellow car» game with the cars passing by. Every time a (non commercial or taxi) yellow car passes by: say yellow car before the other people and you get a point. Warning: it may be 15 – 30 minutes before you get your first point ;)!
There is also a playground here. If you want to feel like a kid again, climb up and try to go across the monkey bars. If you’re feeling daring, maybe even go down a slide. The actual kids will look at you like a weirdo, but hey… there’s no sign that says you have to be a certain age to play on this public playground ;).
All in all, this is a great park. It’s fantastic to go after a meal at Lin Restaurant. A bike path also goes through this park all the way to North Tonawanda. It is a blast to ride in good weather! Happy exploring, Buffalo.

One of the «major» Olmstead parks, Riverside is exactly that, by the river. Very nice views here. Designed by Olmstead as part of the Buffalo Parks System.
There are community events here throughout the year, and a farmers market in the summer.
There are ball parks and football fields, as well as plenty of nice places for people to sit. The dog walkers enjoy this park, its nice and open for the dogs. There’s a playground that gets some use, picnic areas that I imagine are busy at times, and pools that are useful in the summer.
This park even has a lighthouse that’s in use. In the winter there is an ice rink, I did not see this but I saw the signs.
You get here from Tonawanda street just past where it crosses Ontario. If you are in the Blackrock area and looking for a place to catch some views or rays, this is a nice place. Its well maintained and well lit. Safe for all ages.