Jesse Nicholson

Ralph Wilson Park Buffalo - Overview of Design and Role of Native Plants

Building on the community outreach effort led by the University at Buffalo Regional Institute, MVVA is transforming LaSalle Park into a world-class park that celebrates the life of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. The 100-acre site is one of the largest waterfront parks in Buffalo and is located where the Buffalo and Niagara Rivers meet Lake Erie, only ten minutes from downtown. Although the existing park’s sports facilities, event pavilion, “Barkyard” dog park, pool, and skate plaza are beloved by the community, they are underused and isolated by a highway. The seawall, fields, and other infrastructure are reaching the end of their lifespan, and the park experiences flooding after extreme weather events.

About Jesse Nicholson

Associate Principal, Michael Van Valkenburg Associates

Jesse’s admiration for plants and his experience with building materials and construction processes inform his contributions to all phases of work at MVVA. The youngest of five children, Jesse grew up on Martha’s Vineyard. He is an avid line fisherman and harvester of quahogs and scallops. With his intuition and communication skills, he fosters a genuine, collaborative design process with clients.

Jesse earned a Master of Landscape Architecture from Cornell University, a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design from the University of Massachusetts, and an Associate Degree in Landscape Contracting from The Stockbridge School of Agriculture. He joined MVVA in 2013.