Beautification
The VCA has completed neighborhood beautification projects including the creation of a welcoming entrance into the community and the development of the Valley Nature Park and Habitat Trail, which won the Civic Empowerment Award from the Buffalo Niagara All American City Committee. Working in conjunction with then New York State Assemblyman Mark Schroeder, with the help of the the New York State Power Authority, the VCA acquired land along the Buffalo River and created a public park on the banks of the river now called Buffalo River Fest Park. Learn more about the Opened in June 2011, Buffalo River Fest Park was the beginning of the redevelopment along the shore of the Buffalo River.
Buffalo River Fest Park:
“Buffalo River Fest” began in 2001 as the new major fundraiser for the agency, replacing the long-running “Rally in the Valley” carnival and was held at Fr. Conway Park. Buffalo River Fest aims to showcase and draw attention to the history of, and the on-going revitalization of, the Buffalo River front. The only sad thing was at the River Fest you could not see, feel or touch the Buffalo River. That soon changed. With the help of then Assemblyman Mark J.F. Schroeder, the Valley Community Association secured over $5,000,000 in grants over the past 10 years. These grants enabled the Valley Community Association to create Buffalo River Fest Park, LLC which now owns and operates a beautiful 3 acre park on the shores of the Buffalo River that opened in June of 2011. This public access, privately owned park features a wharf, a boardwalk, boat docks, walking paths, landscaped gardens, an amphitheater,
The Tewksbury Lodge
Buffalo River Fest Park hosts The Tewksbury Lodge. This one story brick banquet facility was built in 2016. The Tewksbury Lodge provides food/banquet opportunities, public bathrooms and interpretive signage offering a glimpse of Buffalo’s rich industrial past on the river. The Tewsbury Lodge serves as a gathering for family parties, graduations, weddings, rehearsals, reunions, and the like. Situated on the Buffalo River, this beautiful venue would like to host your event, please call The Tewksbury Lodge at – 716-840-2866
