A patch of pavement at the corner of Oxford and Lafayette avenues near Gates Circle has served neighborhood kids as a makeshift playground for almost two decades. On Tuesday, People Inc., Mayor Sean Ryan and members of the Oxford Square Block Club broke ground on a $900,000 renovation meant to finally turn that lot into the real thing.
The project, first reported by Buffalo Rising, will transform the Oxford Square Community Lot into an accessible outdoor gathering and recreation space. According to People Inc., the redesigned lot will include an accessible playground, picnic areas, shade structures, seating and other amenities. The site sits adjacent to People Inc.’s Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments at 637 Linwood Avenue in Buffalo.
Neighbors Maintained a Makeshift Playground for Years
Oxford Square Block Club neighbors have long helped maintain the lot as a makeshift playground, filling a gap where no formal recreation space existed. Mayor Ryan said the community's commitment to the site spans a long stretch of time, noting that for nearly two decades, Oxford Square neighbors have poured their time, energy and creativity into making the lot a gathering place for their community, per the same account from People Inc. Ryan added that construction is now getting under way.
The renovation is designed to serve residents at both ends of the age spectrum. The project will provide an accessible playground for neighborhood children alongside shaded seating for older residents, including those living next door at the senior apartments. Anne McCaffrey, People Inc.’s president and CEO, said the neighborhood community shaped a welcoming, accessible gathering place for neighbors of all ages.
DASNY Grant and Foundation Funding Cover the Bulk of Costs
The bulk of the funding comes from a Dormitory Authority of the State of New York grant that Ryan secured while serving as a state senator, channeled through DASNY's Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology Program. A $75,000 grant from the People Inc. Foundation rounds out the project's financing, the organization's announcement notes.
A 2024 update from People Inc. had described plans for an estimated $600,000 in enhancements to the same lot, though the record does not make clear whether that earlier figure and the current $900,000 renovation refer to the same project scope. People Inc. coordinated the planning and work in partnership with the Oxford Square Block Club, while MNLA handled the landscape design for the outdoor space.
Pike Construction Targets Spring 2027 Completion
Pike Construction Services is building the renovated community lot, with construction expected to wrap up in spring 2027. The enhanced community space is anticipated to open to neighbors shortly after that milestone is reached, according to People Inc.
