Niagara Falls State Park is, for obvious reasons, a very big deal.

The “Oldest State Park in America” has been emblematic of Niagara’s Natural Wonder status since it was formed in 1885. The recent incorporation of Whirlpool and Devil’s Hole State Parks into Niagara Falls State Park dramatically increases the size of the New York’s most-visited park in the entire system, and continues to leverage itself as the natural park (state, national, or other) to come visit.

Meanwhile, a completely different park sits less than three miles northwest of the famous waterfall. This park, effectively ignored by the throngs of tourists visiting its famous neighbor, is surprisingly diverse for a city park. In fact, the park is the largest municipal-owned park in New York outside of NYC.

This is Hyde Park.

The Origins of Hyde Park

The origins of Hyde Park are seldom-told, and the truth of the story is even more rare. What is true is that Hyde Park is named after a Hyde: Charles to be exact.

The story occasionally told in the Cataract City’s history circles is that Charles Hyde, who was a descendant of the London Hydes (aka the people behind the original Hyde Park across the pond), purchased land on what was then the outskirts of the city using money from the sale of his paper mill. He then generously deeded the plot of land to the City of Niagara Falls when he passed away in 1921. The city, seeing this wonderful gift, named the park after him.

This is a lovely story. It’s also exceptionally inaccurate.

As far as most can see from ancestry records, Charles Hyde had no relation to the famous Hydes of London. Whether Charles knew this, or genuinely believed he was of that bloodline, is honestly the least relevant part of this story.

What is relevant is that Charles was a very, very good businessman. Between his paper company and some strategic stock investments, Mr. Hyde’s assets were right in that $100,000 range by the time of his death in 1921.

When he died, he left the city a deal in his will. Once his wife Emily passed away, the city would inherit the $100,000. Charles, however, stipulated that the money must be used to buy the area around Gill Creek, convert it into a public park, and said park must be named after him.

The city decided not to wait for dear Emily to depart, and took out a bond for $285,000 to buy 58 acres of land around the creek. Additional money and land came from other wealthy residents like the Schoellkopfs, and the park continued to grow over the years into the absolutely massive oasis in the center of the city today.

Anything You Want, Everything You Need

While most places will brag about having everything, Hyde Park might actually be the only one being honest.

The park itself is centered around Hyde Park Lake, which was created in 1928 by damming Gill Creek.

This lake, which is annually stocked with fish, is currently being revitalized by the Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper to remove harmful algae and restore the shoreline. This is part of a larger influx of grant funds flowing into Niagara Falls, and is a key component is the continued support of the park.

The north end of the park is home to the Hyde Park Golf Course, a 27 hole course open to the public. Hyde Park isn’t just connected to that island across the Atlantic by name alone: the putting greens were (according to some sources from years back) imported from Scotland.

In fact, Hyde Park feels a little bit British in nature. Unlike the rugged American landscape of Olmsted’s nature-forward Niagara Reservation, Hyde Park feels far more in line with the parks on the Canadian side of the Falls. Paved paths lead to manicured tree lines, benches overlooking the lake, and even a gazebo sitting on Duck Island, which is being refurbished this summer.

The most European-inspired spot in the park, however, has to be the Rose Garden. This venue, maintained in partnership between the city and the Niagara Beautification Commission, has been a beautiful location for small weddings, tranquil moments, and quiet afternoons watching neighbors playing lawn bowling and bocce.

Of course, this is where the overseas comparisons end. Hyde Park is still a thoroughly-American green space, and it’s amenities make that perfectly clear. This park has everything you would possibly look for in a friendly local park.

The vast expanse of Hyde Park includes playgrounds, pickleball and tennis courts, a skateboarding rink, a splash pad, the city pool, areas for fishing, several picnic pavilions, and plenty of lawn space to set up your kid’s birthday party bounce house.

Batter Up!

Hyde Park is also home to Sal Maglie Stadium, named after the famous baseball pitcher from the Cataract City.

Sal Maglie is currently home to the Niagara Falls Americans baseball team, as well as a home base for several collegiate teams.

The stadium has had quite a bit of investment in the last couple years, complete with new turf, structural improvements, a new street sign, and a massive new scoreboard.

Hyde Park is also home to several pee-wee and little league teams throughout the spring and summer, who take advantage of the assortment of diamonds along Hyde Park Boulevard.

On the other side of the lake from Sal Maglie is the Hyde Park Ice Rink. This rink is a frequent stop for junior hockey tournaments, as well as free skates throughout the year.

A Powerful Remembrance

The crown jewel of Hyde Park is without a doubt the Niagara Falls Veterans Memorial. Sitting near the Pine Avenue entrance to the park, this impressive granite monument is dedicated to the residents of Niagara Falls who served in the United State Armed Services. The Central monument, which resembles the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, is engraved with the names of those who died in active duty, while the walls on either side highlight the veterans that proudly served America throughout the years. It is the largest granite monument dedicated to veterans outside of the Washington Beltway.

Across the lake, tucked in at the edge of Hyde Park Boulevard next to the Hyde Park Skateboard Rink is another, more humble monument.

At one point, a replica of the Statue of Liberty stood there, until that statue was moved in front of the Rainbow Bridge. The remaining pedestal sat empty for years until 1999, when a new sculpture was placed on it. While that original pedestal was recently replaced, the tribute to Volunteerism stands.

The statue was created by the late Dave Poulin, the famous (or infamous) creator of the “Scary Lucy” statue that used to be in Celeron, NY. His exaggerated, almost cartoonish style of design works much better here than it did for Lucy. The group of four children climbing the pedestal, one pointing to the sky, embodies the energy of Hyde Park. The kid being kicked in the side of the head as he helps his friend up is a cheeky touch that brings a sense of reality to the monument. Sitting on the park land directly across the street from the entrance of Gaskill Middle School, the statue genuinely feels like some kids ran out of class, hopped across the street, and climbed to the top of the formerly-empty stone pillar. Of all of the monuments in Hyde Park, it is the one that feels the most genuine in its message: Hyde Park is a place of community built from the ground up by so many regular people that love Niagara Falls.

On a Personal Note

If you’d let me break my college journalism training for a bit, I’d like to let you in on the fact that I am very biased toward this park. I grew up just down the street from it, and when I finally settled into a house of my own, it was, of course, even closer to the park. I can see the park from my house. I can see my house from the park!

I spent quite a bit of time around this little paradise over the years. Festivals (hello Italian Festival), picnics, sitting along the water, and even a proposal! It’s the place I like to be near, even if I don’t always get the chance to head up the street to spend time there.

That is why Charles Hyde put in those stipulations over 100 years ago. He saw the expansion of industry in the city. He himself benefited from that industry. He also realized the the residents needed a park. They needed trimmed lawns to relax on. They needed grounds to play on. They needed a space to exist away from it all.

They still do.

The city has recently been putting a lot of time and effort into revitalizing the park. Between the restoration of Gill Creek, upgrades to Sal Maglie Stadium and the Hyde Park Ice Rink, new picnic pavilions, the refurbishment of the Rose Garden and Gazebo on Duck Island, and improvements to the golf course, we’re going to see very vibrant park in the coming years. There are even plans to bring back kayaks and paddleboats once the lake is properly restored.

These are the investments that really matter in a community. While downtown Niagara Falls (and the State Park) receive the most love, the large green space in the center of our city is truly a place for everyone.

So, if you’re looking for a touch of tranquility away from the bustle of everyday life, I recommend you pay a visit to Hyde Park. Who knows: you might even see a cartoon sheep on an afternoon stroll!

-Sheepie <3