Times Beach Nature Preserve/ Wilkerson Park
Wilkerson Park is probably Buffalo’s newest and best kept secret (for now). Located adjacent to the Coast Guard station on Fuhrman Blvd, Times Beach Nature Preserve features a small beach with a well kept nature preserve to the right, and beautiful Wilkerson Park to the left with a double slide, kinetic sculptures against a breathtaking view of Lake Erie, that you can get to on top of a hill with a spiral path. Kids enjoy taking their bikes up to the top of the hill and spiraling down. Also, this park is one of the stops for the Queen City Ferry!
Gallagher Beach is popular with windsurfers because it tends to be the windiest beach around Buffalo. It is a great spot for bathers and boaters alike, and features a pier good for a short walk. It’s recommended to wear water shoes at this beach as the terrain does consist of small stones. It is located across Route 5 from Tifft Nature Preserve.
Located in Buffalo’s Old First Ward, off of Ohio Street, Buffalo’s Riverfest Park. Developed by Margaret “Peg” Overdorf. A beautiful park located in the Historic “Old First Ward”. Home to the “Buffalo River Fest” held in June. Hosting Music on Wednesday evenings in the summer and events all season long. Check out the link above to a list of the Wednesday music series! It’s got a cool “nature-meets-industry” vibe since it has a view of gran silos and the General Mills plant! It’s a great opportunity for your little to learn about industry in Buffalo while enjoying the outdoors!
Woodlawn Beach has seen some positive changes over the past couple years. It’s kept clean, the water is tested daily, and there are lifeguards on duty. There is also the new Woody’s Beach Bar and Tacqueria. A tree-lined boardwalk leads up to an expansive beach that is perfect for adults and children. This is a great place to catch the sunset after a fun day of swimming.
Of course this is only a very small list of the parks and beaches in the Buffalo area. There are many more listed at the New York State Department of Parks and Recreation’s website. Of course there are many more that are just a short drive away. You can also check out the July 2013 issue of Buffalo Spree for more highlights! If you and your Little have a favorite Beach or Park you’d like to highlight, submit it to bigs@beafriend.org!