FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gift continues Delaware North’s long history of financial and volunteer support for the Conservancy
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy today announced a transformational partnership with Delaware North that will strengthen both the long-term sustainability and day-to-day stewardship of Buffalo’s historic Olmsted park system.
Through a comprehensive investment in both long-term sustainability and immediate operational capacity, Delaware North has committed a $1 million leadership gift to the Conservancy’s Endowment Campaign and is supporting a new partnership between the Conservancy and The Service Collaborative that will place five Buffalo Service Corps AmeriCorps members in Buffalo’s parks to advance specialized field projects and stewardship efforts.
Together, these investments represent a comprehensive commitment to preserving Olmsted’s legacy while building the capacity needed to care for the park system today and into the future.
“Delaware North has stepped forward as a true leadership partner, making an extraordinary investment in both the future of Buffalo’s parks and the work required to care for them today,” said Catie Stephenson, Executive Director of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. “Their leadership gift to our endowment campaign will help ensure these historic landscapes remain vibrant and well cared for for generations to come, while their support for a new partnership with The Service Collaborative strengthens our ability to care for park system today.”
The $1 million gift advances the Conservancy’s Endowment Campaign, an effort to establish a permanent source of support for the operations and maintenance of Buffalo’s internationally significant Olmsted-designed parks and parkways. Income generated from the endowment will provide long-term financial stability and help safeguard the future of Buffalo’s historic landscapes.
At the same time, Delaware North’s support of a partnership with The Service Collaborative’s Buffalo Service Corps will bring five AmeriCorps members to the Conservancy’s operations team. Working alongside Conservancy staff, members will support specialized projects across the park system, including landscape stewardship, ecological management, restoration initiatives, and horticultural projects.
“Buffalo’s parks are among the region’s most important public assets,” said Delaware North CEO Jerry Jacobs Jr. “They improve quality of life, strengthen neighborhoods, attract visitors, and contribute to our community’s economic vitality. We are proud to support the Conservancy’s vision by investing in both the long-term sustainability of the park system and the people who care for it every day.”
Delaware North’s gift is a continuation of a long history of financial and volunteer support of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. Since 2017, Delaware North has contributed more than $450,000 to the conservancy for numerous mission-critical projects, and the company’s team members volunteer annually within the parks during Earth Month.
“Buffalo’s Olmsted parks are part of our identity and protecting them requires strong partnerships and a long-term vision,” said City of Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan. “Delaware North’s leadership investment is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished when the public, private, and nonprofit sectors work together to strengthen our community. I hope their commitment inspires others to join the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s Endowment Campaign and help build the permanent foundation needed to preserve one of Buffalo’s greatest civic assets.”
The AmeriCorps initiative will also create meaningful service and professional development opportunities, providing participants with hands-on experience in environmental stewardship, landscape management, and public service while helping the Conservancy address critical operational needs.
“This partnership demonstrates how service can strengthen communities while preparing the next generation of leaders through meaningful workforce development experiences,” said Kate Sarata, Executive Director of The Service Collaborative. “We are excited to partner with the Conservancy and Delaware North to provide Buffalo Service Corps members with hands-on training, leadership opportunities, and real-world experience while making a lasting impact on Buffalo’s parks and the people who enjoy them.”
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Buffalo’s park system was the first coordinated system of parks and parkways in the United States and remains one of the nation’s most significant historic landscapes. The Conservancy’s endowment campaign seeks to establish a permanent financial foundation that will support the care and preservation of these treasured public spaces for generations to come.
“This partnership is about stewardship in every sense of the word,” added Stephenson. “Delaware North is helping us build the resources, expertise, and long-term sustainability necessary to protect one of Buffalo’s greatest civic assets. We are incredibly grateful for their ongoing partnership.”
Photo from left to right: City of Buffalo Interim Parks Commissioner Steve Buccilli, Deputy Mayor Maria Whyte, Service Collaborative of WNY Executive Director Kate Sarata, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Board Chair Amy Abrahamson, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Executive Director Catie Stephenson, Mayor Sean Ryan, Delaware North CEO Jerry Jacobs Jr.
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About Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy
The Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy is nonprofit organization responsible for the restoration, maintenance, preservation, and activation of Buffalo’s historic Olmsted park and parkway system. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Buffalo’s parks comprise one of the nation’s most significant historic landscape systems and serve millions of visitors annually.
About Delaware North
Delaware North is a global leader in the hospitality and entertainment industry. The company annually serves more than a half-billion guests across three continents, including at high-profile sports venues, national and state parks, restaurants, resorts, hotels and casinos. Building on more than a century of enduring partnerships and a commitment to local communities and sustainability, Delaware North’s vision is to delight guests by creating the world’s best experiences today while reimagining tomorrow. Learn more at DelawareNorth.com and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About The Service Collaborative
The Service Collaborative of WNY creates pathways for opportunities and growth to build a stronger, empowered community through workforce development, service, and leadership. Its Buffalo Service Corps AmeriCorps program engages young adults in environmental stewardship by restoring and maintaining parks, trails, and public green spaces while providing hands-on workforce training and career development opportunities. Through meaningful service, participants gain industry-recognized skills, strengthen their communities, and develop as the next generation of civic leaders. Learn more about The Service Collaborative and its programs at http://www.tscwny.org.
