Russell E. Pawlak Memorial Gardens at Memorial and Paderewski Drives

The traffic circle at Paderewski and Memorial drives was dedicated in August of 2016 as the Russell E. Pawlak Memorial Gardens. The gardens are a fitting tribute to the man who was largely responsible for putting the Central Terminal back on Buffalo’s radar screen. Pawlak served as president of the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation for eight years. He died in 2009.

The gardens are the work of Pawlak’s widow, Bernadette. She wrote on Facebook, “It is a dedication to Russell, a man who gave endless time and effort into the preservation of this historic landmark. As president of the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation, he will be remembered in front of the building he so dearly loved.”

Here is a WGRZ video on the dedication:

Recently, a group of volunteers worked on the gardens. A stone monument to Pawlak is also in the garden. It was repaired earlier this week — fixing a spelling mistake and some damage after a car hit it.

When you are driving or walking around the traffic circle, give a nod to one of the important figures in the modern history of the neighborhood and the work Russell Pawlak did in helping bring the Central Terminal back to life.

For more pictures of the gardens and info, visit its Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/Russell-E-Pawlak-Memorial-Gardens-1514812115226625/


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