BUFFALO, N.Y. — Old but still a favorite. Maurice Walker spends a lot of time in Roosevelt Park. You'll find it tucked away, behind an East Side neighborhood he calls home.
"Look at it. Who would want to come out and play in it? You go around to other parks, and there's more life in it. Just look at it. It just looks old," Walker said.
Currently, the park has a splash pad filled with leaves, a few broken liquor bottles, an old swing set and playground, and an abandoned building tagged with graffiti.
However, that's all about to change for the better.
New York Sen. Chuck Schumer announced the National Park Service will spend more than $2 million to revitalize Roosevelt Park. It's something Walker and other people who use the park are happy to hear.
"It brings us together. They have town meetings sometimes around here and host events with food," one resident said.
"Hopefully, it comes out good, and they have a good idea for it," another resident said.
That's the thing. It's the idea that worries Walker because he says the community should have input on what's coming.
"We not playing a part in none of the projects that are being done on the East side; no minority participation," Walker said.
Which he feels is unfair to people who use the park the most. He says block clubs or a community discussion can change that and give residents a say in what they really want.
"I don't mind the projects coming to the neighborhood. I just wish we played a part in the neighborhood," Walker said.