74. Billy Wilson Park

Billy Wilson Park in Amherst, NY, sits on low-lying terrain adjacent to the Great Baehre Swamp, characterized by glacial deposits and underlying Paleozoic sedimentary bedrock common to Western New York. The geology features quaternary sediments (clay, sand, gravel) deposited by retreating glaciers and ancient glacial lakes, likely overlying deeply buried Silurian or Devonian marine shale or limestone.

Key Geological Features:

Glacial Influence: The area is dominated by sediments left behind from the last ice age, specifically those related to glacial Lake Warren.

Topography: The park is located in a flat to gently rolling landscape associated with the Tonawanda Creek watershed and nearby swampy areas, providing poor drainage in some areas.

Bedrock: While not commonly exposed at the surface in the park, the underlying bedrock consists of Paleozoic-aged sedimentary rock, which dips slightly to the south.

Soil and Sediment: The surface material is a mix of glacial till and post-glacial, fine-grained lake sediments, which are often rich in nutrients, contributing to the wetlands in the adjacent Great Baehre Swamp.

The park itself is a recreational area, featuring a sledding hill which is a man-made feature, but the underlying, gentle topography is entirely a product of the glacial activity that shaped Western New York.