BUFFALO, N.Y. — ​Centennial Park is set to receive $2 million in federal funding to help develop a public play garden.

The funding is coming from the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The new public development is west to bring eight play areas, landscaping, restrooms and park furnishings to the area previously known as Lasalle Park.

"From the Wilson Foundation’s commitment to Centennial Park, to the $43 million American Rescue Plan investment in Buffalo Parks, as well as plans to restore Olmsted’s vision at Kensington and Scajaquada, and to invest in Buffalo Harbor State Park, we are embracing the transformative power of parks," Congressman Brian higgins said. "Not only will this investment change our landscape, it will improve the health and quality of life for residents, strengthen neighborhoods, and enrich our community for generations to come."

A massive transformation project is current underway at the park, funded with a $50 million gift from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation.

"We are thankful for Congressman Higgins' longstanding support to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund through the Great American Outdoors Act – legislation which has now helped make this grant award possible. We are thrilled to see Buffalo receive this LWCF-funded Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program grant to support the Centennial Park and improve outdoor recreation access for the community," said Lesley Kane Szynal, Chair of the LWCF Coalition.

Buffalo is one of the 27 projects nationwide and the only project in New York state to receive this funding.