Broderick Park

History of African-Americans in Buffalo ................ Bird Island Pier................... Niagara Street Industrial Heritage

Freedom Park
Former name: Broderick Park

1170 Niagara St., Buffalo, NY
Broderick Park, following an elongated shape, is located on the southern tip of Unity Island between the Niagara River and the Black Rock Canal.
The park overlooks the Canada–US border and is situated within view of the Peace Bridge.

Because of its historic significance, the name of Broderick Park is being changed to Freedom Park, to better tell the story of the black freedom movement and hard-fought civil rights. Buffalo’s Common Council has officially approved the renaming of the park via a resolution.

The decision to rename the park was agreed upon by the Friends of Broderick Park, the Broderick Family, and the citizens of Buffalo.To ensure that the legacy of Michael Broderick – one of the founders of the West Side Rowing Club – remains intact, there will be a commemorative memorial installed at the site.

Freedom Park is located at the foot of West Ferry – 3 Bird Island Pier and 92 West Ferry Street.

- Queenseyes, Buffalo Common Council Officially Approves the Renaming of Broderick Park to "Freedom Park, November 1, 2023" (online December 2023)

One of Buffalo's oldest parks is getting some substantial renovations. Broderick Park at the foot of Ferry Street will receive nearly $1.5 million in improvements.

Major renovations for the historic site were unveiled Thursday night at a public meeting at Rich Renaissance Center.

Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper Executive Director Jill Jedlicka says her group has long been involved in planning for the park

"When you approach it by Niagara Street, most folks don't even know it is there," said Jedlilcka. "And you see the Peace Bridge and you see the flowing Niagara, and you really feel all the beauty and history at that site, that's what makes it so special."

The park is little-known and well-known. A key element in the history of slavery and freedom on the Underground Railroad and a key recreational element for the growing and increasingly multi-lingual West Side.

It was the last stop on the long walk to freedom in Canada, with many dying trying to cross. The thousands of drivers who cruise down the Niagara Section every day don't realize that long sliver of land and the breakwall toward the Peace Bridge usually filled with anglers and walkers is Broderick Park, reached by an unmarked walk or drive along the brick section of Ferry Street.

Niagara District Common Council member David Rivera said the park is very important to the West Side and to the city but even more important to some.

"Many people come to this park from all over the country because it is part of the Underground Railroad," said Rivera.

- Mike Desmond, Broderick Park Master Plan Unveiled. WBFO, July 13, 2012
(online October 2020)

Located on the southern end of Unity Island, with primary access from the foot of West Ferry Street, it is steeped in international, national, and local history, including, perhaps most significantly, its association with the Underground Railroad.

The plan proposed additional green space, a re-worked parking layout, an enhanced concession area, an amphitheater and performance plaza, a new family gathering area and shelter, a great lawn and large event space, a contemplative garden, a ‘Freedom Walk’ to be incorporated throughout the site, and a re-routing of the Riverwalk to create safe separation of activities that enhance both the popular angling area and the multi-modal trailway on the west side of the park.