Mayor Walsh and Parks Commissioner LaFave Announce Plans for Projects
Published on April 22, 2022
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs Commissioner Julie LaFave announced plans for four major parks facilities improvements in Eastwood. Projects were identified through a number of in-person Eastwood engagement meetings and hundreds of surveys collected this past summer and fall.
“Nobody understands the value and importance of our parks more than our neighborhoods and this department,” said Parks Commissioner Julie LaFave. “We have a lot of acreage to cover, but we remain committed to repairing and rejuvenating our parks. The projects outlined below are only a small sample of what’s to come. Some of the processes move faster than others, but we are continuing to move forward, and we want to thank the community for staying so engaged.”
“Neighbors have been asking for investment in its parks and recreation facilities in Eastwood, and our Parks team is responding. Importantly, it is happening based on neighborhood input,” said Mayor Walsh. “There is an exciting future ahead for parks in Eastwood that will serve the community for many years to come. We’re following this same approach on the north side for parks investments with American Rescue Plan Act funds.”
The City allocated $450,000.00 of capital funds to be invested in Eastwood parks – $150,000 designated for the replacement of the Norwood Park’s playground and the remaining $300,000 for projects determined based on feedback from the Eastwood community.
The new parks projects include:
- A new playground installation is scheduled for Norwood Park, located at 393 Ashdale Ave, 13206. Notable features will include brightly colored structures for children ages 2-5 and 5-12 comprised of climbing elements, swings and slides. Several benches will be installed around the perimeter of the playground. The department also plans to remove unused baseball backstops to allow more room on the football fields and reduce the accumulation of litter. The playground is on track to be installed this summer, weather permitting. Learn more at https://bit.ly/2022-syr-norwoodpark
- A new, 3-pt shot basketball court, the first of its kind in Central New York and Syracuse, is coming to Huntington Park, located at 301 Caleb Ave, 13206. This versatile court is designed for all ages in mind and can be used in a variety of ways. Different rim heights will help anyone to perfect their shot and play a fun game of 1-on-1 or even 3-on-3. The design process is complete. A fall 2022/spring 2023 installation date is anticipated. Learn more at https://bit.ly/2022-syr-huntington
- A new baseball-themed splash pad will replace an under-utilized baseball field at Cummings Field, located at 121 Edtim Road, 13206. The splash pad will include a vertical spray feature and additional multiple ground sprays. The design process is underway. The estimated completion is anticipated for fall 2022/spring 2023. Learn more at https://bit.ly/2022-syr-cummingsfield
In addition, Senator Rachel May delivered $200,000 in state funding for the expansion of the East Woods Skate Park, located at 301 Caleb Ave, 13206. The Planning team is currently working to complete the grant application and coordinate the design of an expansion of the existing skate park installed in 2014. The expansion is in an effort to meet the needs of a rapidly growing action-sports community, including BMX bikers, skateboarders and roller skaters. The targeted completion date is summer 2024.Watch for updates at https://bit.ly/2022-syr-huntington
For more information about park projects and engagement, contact Alexa Geller at ageller@syrgov.net, Brian Messe at bmesse@syrgov.net or Josh Wilcox at jwilcox@syrgov.net.
For more information about the Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs visit Syracuse.recdesk.com or call (315) 473-4330.