Buffalo,
New York

Buffalo is a city that prioritizes mobility and safe access in winter, reducing barriers so that vulnerable residents and visitors are empowered to be active year-round. Of all the winter challenges that Buffalo residents face, insufficient snow clearing was the most frequently cited issue and the one with the most equity-related implications. Snowy and icy sidewalks are a hazard for everyone but especially for individuals with mobility issues and those who rely on walking and public transit. It impedes access to essential services and is the cause of many debilitating injuries. The fear of slipping prevents many people from venturing outside altogether, contributing to social isolation during the season.

Buffalo is a city that creates opportunities for collaboration with and between local partners to animate and activate parks and public spaces across the city year-round, with a focus on neighborhood parks that also includes educational and social components. Respondents have an overwhelming desire for more winter activities in local parks.

Buffalo has some excellent winter destinations, from Canalside on the waterfront to the big sledding hill in Delaware Park, but community members told us that they would be thrilled to see more events, activities, and winter fun extending into their own neighborhood parks, both through city-led or community-led initiatives.

Buffalo is a city that ensures that residents and visitors have access to warmth and security from the elements during the coldest season of the year with the purpose of allowing citizens and guests to enjoy our unique winter culture.  Moving is difficult in the snow but staying still is difficult in the cold.

We heard from transit and park users that they would be more likely to spend time outside if there were warm respites from the bitter winds, freezing temperatures, and early darkness we associate with winter. In fact, the single most popular idea we received across all the pop-ups was "heated bus stops" (usually with multiple exclamation marks!).

As a nod to Buffalo's reputation as the City of Good Neighbors, we heard from residents that they want to improve winter for those who lack the experience or the money to truly enjoy it. Winter can be difficult and expensive, especially for vulnerable communities, but we see the opportunity to create new connections through acts of service, reducing social isolation among different Buffalo communities and better equipping everyone with the tools and resources to be active in winter.