Lions Community Park receives renovation and renewal
On a warm, sunny fall afternoon, Buffalo City leaders, ISD 877 representatives, teachers and staff, and most importantly, elementary students, gathered at Lions Community Park for a bit of celebration and play. Lions Park underwent renovations, which began in June with the installation of new playground equipment and rubber surface. An official grand opening ceremony was held on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Located near Discovery and Parkside Elementary Schools, the park has long been a hub of play, sports, and community gathering — and now features brand-new inclusive playground equipment installed by Northland Recreation.
Designed for children ages 2 to 12, the tall twisty slides, 15 swings, rail rider ziplines, and a group seesaw offer plenty of space for kids to run, climb, and explore.
A Park with History
The origins of Lions Park date back to the 1940’s and was established through the efforts of the Buffalo Lions Club, which included the construction of Lion’s Ballpark, along with the installation of lighting, fencing, and bleachers.
For over 75 years, Lions Park has been one of Buffalo’s community anchors. Along with a playground that creates hours of entertainment for youngsters, the park hosts youth leagues and summer tournaments at its two ballfields and has a shelter, which provides space both for community events and family gatherings.
In winter, the park transforms into a gathering place through its outdoor hockey rink and warming house, offering a chance for outside sports during Minnesota’s coldest months.
Playground Ceremony
The ceremony on September 24 marked the completion of recent improvements to the park’s playground. These updates refreshed worn equipment and enhanced safety, while improving accessibility and inclusivity with the aim of enriching the play experience for all children. The renovations symbolize investment in Buffalo’s future and the well-being of its youngest citizens.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Buffalo Mayor Steve Downer shared, “What you see behind me is Buffalo’s largest playground, which offers something for all ages and abilities. Lions Playground is in full compliance with Unlimited Play’s (a non-profit organization committed to building inclusion through play) Gold Criteria for inclusive playground design. This criteria includes sensory play, musical play, social inclusion, and opportunities for kids with all physical and cognitive abilities. With the help of the Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose School District, we were able to include the poured-in-place rubber surfacing to make it safer and accessible playground for the kids in Buffalo.”
With the newly renovated playground now open, Lions Community Park stands ready for another generation of stories, scraped knees, and laughter. The grand opening ceremony serves as both gratitude for what has been and anticipation for what’s to come.
About the Playground
Information from the City of Buffalo:
The City of Buffalo and Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose School District partnered together to renovate the playground equipment at Lion’s Park. The project began in June, which focused on addressing necessary underground infrastructure improvements in the area, replacing the parking lot pavement, and removing existing mulch and play equipment. The mulch was replaced with poured-rubber flooring, which offers improved safety, enhanced play experience, greater accessibility, and longer durability.
The new playground design was guided by community feedback and aims to improve safety and accessibility while keeping a theme of fun in mind. Modern playground equipment emphasizes inclusivity, sensory experiences, and shade structures throughout. The playground features a 15-foot slide complex, rock climbing wall, and wheelchair accessible features.
The project was made possible through a mix of funding sources, including the City of Buffalo capital improvement budget and bond funds approved by school district residents.
