City of Buffalo, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy release viewing opportunities & expectations for eclipse

Members of the public who would like to view solar event from public park encouraged to gather at specific locations & follow park rules to ensure everyone’s safety

The City of Buffalo, Department of Public Works, Division of Parks and Recreation and the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy have announced specific locations and park rules for safely viewing the total solar eclipse set to take place the afternoon of Monday, April 8, in open park spaces.

Mayor Byron Brown said, “The total solar eclipse in Buffalo is coming up quickly and we continue to ask city residents and visitors to take this rare celestial event seriously. Plan ahead if you haven’t already. Follow the rules. And be patient and prepared. With Buffalo so uniquely positioned to view the eclipse, people from around the country will be flocking here to see it for themselves. Public safety is our top priority. I thank the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy for collaborating with us to ensure this event will be a safe and enjoyable experience for all.”

A press release stated, “While all City of Buffalo parks are open on Monday, April 8 (from sunrise to sunset), to ensure the safety of the public and to protect our valued green spaces, the city and the conservancy would like to inform those interested in viewing the eclipse from a public park to either walk to their neighborhood park or gather at one of the locations detailed here and follow the protocols listed below. A limited number of viewing glasses will be available at these locations.”

The parties shared this important information for Monday, April 8:

√ All golf courses will be closed.

√ All athletic fields and baseball diamonds will be closed; stay off of diamonds and fields.

√ There are no scheduled special events in parks.

√ Tifft Nature Preserve parking area will be closed to vehicles; building facilities will be closed.

√ All vehicles must be properly parked. Motorists can park in legal street parking spots nearby or designated off-street parking locations as detailed on park maps. Designated off-street parking locations are limited.

√ Consider walking, biking, or taking public transportation to parks.

√ Pick up after yourselves by taking everything you bring into the park with you when you leave.

•Park rules

√ No vehicles on grass, open fields or park pathways.

√ No grills or open fires.

√ No glass bottles.

√ No camping or overnight parking in any City of Buffalo park or parking lot.

√ No littering; place all trash in designated totes or pack it out.

√ All dogs must be leashed.

To stay best informed, City of Buffalo residents can text ECLIPSE to 38276. More eclipse information can be found on the following websites:

√ City of Buffalo – https://www.buffalony.gov/1689/Eclipse-in-Buffalo-2024

√ Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy – www.bfloparks.org/eclipse