Parks & Recreation Press Releases

For questions about press releases distributed from Syracuse Parks & Recreation, email the Parks Public Information Officer at press@syr.gov.

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City of Syracuse Opens Swim Lesson Sign-Ups

Published on June 26, 2025

The City of Syracuse Department of Parks & Recreation announced it will open Session I swim lesson registration on Thursday, June 26 at 4:00 p.m. for city residents, and on Friday, June 27 at 4:00 p.m. for non-city residents. There will be three sessions offered this summer.
Session I will be held at Burnet, Onondaga and Thornden Pools. This session will run from June 30 to July 11.

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Department of Parks to Restore Hanover Square Fountain

Published on June 16, 2025

The City of Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs will begin construction on the rehabilitation of the Hanover Square Fountain at the intersection of Warren, Water, and East Genesee Streets starting the week of Monday, June 16, 2025. This project marks a significant step in revitalizing one of downtown Syracuse’s most historic and cherished public spaces.

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Mayor Walsh Announces Elmwood Park Sediment Removal Project

Published on May 29, 2025

City of Syracuse Mayor Walsh announced that sediment removal will begin in Elmwood Park starting on June 2, 2025. The goal of the project is to return the brook to its state prior to the impact of flooding from Tropical Storm Fred in August 2021. Restoration efforts include sediment removal, repair of the channel walls, and the restoration of park turf.

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Mayor Walsh Announces Opening of Kirk Park Canoe and Kayak Launch

Published on May 21, 2025

Syracuse Mayor Walsh announced the opening of the Kirk Park Canoe and Kayak Boat Launch at a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 21. The launch is located at the end of the Creekwalk near Hunt Avenue and will serve as one of three vital access points for water enthusiasts, providing opportunities for kayaking and canoeing on Onondaga Creek.

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Mayor Walsh Announces Adopt-a-Trail Initiative

Published on March 11, 2025

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the launch of the Syracuse Department of Parks & Recreation Adopt-a-Trail initiative. The new program invites groups, businesses, and individuals to adopt a section along one of two of Syracuse’s most beloved trails: the Onondaga Creekwalk Trail (CWT) and the Empire State Trail (EST) portion on Erie Boulevard East. Adopt-a-Trail participants will be responsible

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Parks Call for Bids for Hanover Square Fountain Rehabilitation Project

Published on January 22, 2025

The City of Syracuse Department of Parks & Recreation announced the public bidding process for the rehabilitation of the Hanover Square Fountain is open. The City of Syracuse is seeking qualified construction firms to complete structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical repairs, as well as landscaping on, and around, the iconic fountain.

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Plans for "Home for the Holidays" Tree Lighting Announced

Published on November 04, 2024

As the assembly of the Clinton Square Christmas tree begins, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced plans today for the in-person “Home for the Holidays” Tree Lighting celebration on Friday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. in Clinton Square. The 42-foot-tall tree in the heart of downtown Syracuse will remain the focal point of celebrations, continuing the tradition of lighting the tree the day after Thanksgiving.

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Syracuse Parks & Recreation Accepting Swimsuit Donations Until Sept. 4

Published on August 12, 2024

The City of Syracuse Department of Parks & Recreation is now accepting new and gently used swimwear for children who do not have the appropriate clothing to participate in swimming and water activities. The department will be accepting brand new swimsuits, swim trunks, and burkinis for all genders, sizes, and ages through September 4.

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2024 Street Closure for 2024 Hanover Thursdays Music Series

Published on July 29, 2024

The City of Syracuse wishes to inform residents and visitors of a temporary street closure for the 2024 Hanover Thursdays Music Series taking place in Hanover Square on five Thursdays in August: 8/1, 8/8, 8/15, 8/22, and 8/29. This closure is necessary to facilitate event setup, presentation, and breakdown.

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2024 Northeast Jazz & Wine and Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festivals

Published on July 24, 2024

Downtown Syracuse will be hosting the Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival at the Landmark Theater and along Jefferson Street, on Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27 and the 2024 Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival in, and around, Columbus Circle on Friday, July 26, Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28.

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Cooling Centers Open at Cecile and Magnarelli Community Centers

Published on July 09, 2024

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the City of Syracuse will open cooling centers for extended hours at two city community centers on Tuesday, July 9. The Cecile Community Center at 174 W. Seneca Turnpike and the Magnarelli Community Center at 2308 Grant Boulevard will be open for cooling from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. today. A National Weather Service Heat Advisory is in effect until 8 p.m.

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Cecile and Magnarelli Community Centers Open as Cooling Centers

Published on June 17, 2024

With a multi-day heat wave upon us, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the City of Syracuse will open cooling centers for extended hours at two city community centers. The Cecile Community Center at 174 W. Seneca Turnpike and the Magnarelli Community Center at 2308 Grant Boulevard will be open for cooling from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Tuesday through Friday.

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2024 Polish Festival and CNY Pride Festival & Parade

Published on June 14, 2024

The City of Syracuse wishes to inform residents and visitors of temporary street closures for the Polish Festival and CNY Pride Festival & Parade celebrations taking place in Clinton Square and Progress Park at the Syracuse Inner Harbor. These closures are necessary to facilitate event setup, presentation, and breakdown. Please plan your travel accordingly and expect delays.

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City Parks Annual “Big Rig Day” At Burnet Park May 18

Published on May 14, 2024

Big rigs will start rolling into Burnet Park for City Parks annual “Big Rig Day” on Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event offers interactive fun and entertainment for children of all ages. Children can climb in and explore some of the city’s big trucks from the Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks, and Water departments, as well as other rigs from local companies and organizations.

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Parks Offers Another Lifeguard Training Opportunity For Summer Job

Published on May 09, 2024

There’s still time to become a lifeguard. The City of Syracuse Department of Parks & Recreation is offering another full lifeguard training class and recertification training class for the 2024 summer season, which begins in mid-June. Interested candidates can sign up now for a prerequisite swim test to be included in the next certification course starting on May 18.

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City's Golf Courses to Begin Opening May 1

Published on April 27, 2024

The City of Syracuse Department of Park & Recreation will open its two nine-hole courses beginning in May. Burnet Park will open Wednesday, May 1 and Sunnycrest Park will open Wednesday, May 8. The courses operate seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., weather permitting, except for Thursday, July 4. Both courses will be closed in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

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Mayor Walsh Announces Opening of Canine Adoption Shelter

Published on March 04, 2024

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the opening of the City of Syracuse Second Chance Canine Adoption Shelter at 6660 East Seneca Turnpike next to Jamesville Correctional Facility. The City of Syracuse hired seven shelter attendants and one supervisor to oversee the sheltering and care of the dogs, in preparation for adoption facilitated by Friends of Second Chance Shelter Inc.

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Schumer Delivers Nearly $11 Million for Thousands of New Trees in CNY

Published on September 15, 2023

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced $10,945,000 for three projects in Syracuse, Auburn, and across Central New York to plant thousands of new trees and expand youth and job training programs helping make the community greener through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry program.

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