Mayor and Commissioner Announce Start of Pass Arboretum Improvements
Published on July 07, 2025
Based on extensive community input, Phase One includes the removal of more than 50 trees that are invasive, structurally unsound, dead or near their end of life.
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Parks Recreation and Youth Programs Commissioner Syeisha Byrd announced the start of phase one of the James Pass Arboretum Improvement Plan. Work to improve public safety, accessibility and the visitor experience at the westside botanical garden will begin in the second half of July.
The improvement plan is the result of an extensive public engagement effort, including six community meetings. The Department of Parks Recreation and Youth Program’s Forestry Division will remove more than 50 trees that are invasive, structurally unsound, dead or near the end of their lifespan. The Forestry Division will also prune more than 40 other trees to remove deadwood and improve their structure, health and ability to withstand storm events.
“The Pass Arboretum is a special place that is important to the Westside and a valuable resource for people across the city,” said Mayor Walsh. “Like any park or natural space, it needs careful attention and care so it can thrive. The improvement plan has been developed with input from neighbors and other people who care deeply about the site. I appreciate their support and am glad to see the work getting underway.”
“Our Forestry Division has done amazing work caring for and expanding Syracuse’s urban forest. The Pass Arboretum is our ‘museum of trees’ that educate and inspire everyone – especially our young people – to appreciate and care for our environment. There is great work beginning at the Arboretum and we are honored to prepare it for people today and for generations to come,” said Commissioner Byrd.
In addition to tree removal, the first phase of the Pass Arboretum Plan includes an upgrade of the walking trail loop around the site. The walkways will be paved to enhance accessibility, safety and maintenance. Crews will also replace the chain link fence on the western side of the park to match the ornamental fence around other parts of the site. Dozens of existing trees will be mulched and have perimeters edged. All trees on site will be labeled to improve the educational experience at the park.
Future phases scheduled to be completed over the next several years are refreshing existing gardens with more native plants, introducing shrubs back to the arboretum and adding an ADA accessible path to the upper reach of the park. The project is funded through the City of Syracuse Parks Capital Improvement plan.
2025 marks the 100th anniversary of Pass Arboretum. The Parks Department will acknowledge the milestone as part of its annual Arbor Day Celebration on October 9. The 2025 improvement work will peak with a community event to plant at least 70 trees in the fall.