This two-phase project includes the redesign and construction of a portion of the 2.9-acre Progress Park at the Inner Harbor. The City is working with Colliers Engineering and Design for Phase I to prepare a design for park improvements, including adding recreational opportunities, pedestrian and bicycle connections, visitor amenities, and safety features. Enhancements to the park will provide a safer, more enjoyable gathering place and complement the ongoing development of the Inner Harbor.
The City has funding from New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) to complete the planning and design work, which will provide construction plans for the new park space. Once Phase I work is complete, the City has additional funding from the state to construct the redesigned park in Phase II. This project will implement the NYSDOS funded Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) plan currently under development.
The Phase I project goal is to redesign this underutilized public space by enhancing existing uses and providing new amenities to make the park a destination for residents and visitors. The project will accomplish this goal through a planning and design process that will include public engagement and produce construction documents to update and refresh the park space. The deliverables for Phase I will provide a foundation on which to implement the proposed park improvements and ultimately provide a safer, more enjoyable community gathering place. Specific design elements that will be considered during the planning and design process include:
Safety improvements, such as lighting and emergency call boxes.
Trail improvements such as surface repairs, new or revised routes, and wayfinding signage.
Streetscape enhancements (along Van Rensselaer & Kirkpatrick Streets) and bicycle/pedestrian improvements to better connect the park to the surrounding areas.
Installation of other amenities such as benches, bicycle repair stations, drinking water stations, smart-city technology, and public art, which will complement the City’s development of a new accessible playground and concessions in another area of the park, a separate project being led by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs.
Progress Park is a city park within Syracuse’s Inner Harbor area at the corner of Van Rensselaer and West Kirkpatrick Streets. The waterfront area currently features off-street parking, a small amphitheater, an open lawn surrounded by trees, and portions of the Onondaga Creekwalk trail and New York State Empire State Trail system. The park is a frequent pass-through for trail users and provides easy parking and access to the trail network. The park also hosts several larger festivals and events throughout the year, including the CNY Pride Festival. In March 2024, the Syracuse Common Council approved the naming of the park to reflect its importance to champions of civil rights.
The LWRP is a joint effort between the City of Syracuse, New York State Department of State, and Onondaga County to re-imagine the City's waterfront area along Onondaga Lake and the Inner Harbor. The program’s current draft plan includes specific projects and policies to support natural resource protection, enhance waterfront access, improve multi-modal connectivity options, and provide economic revitalization opportunities. Click here to learn more about the LWRP.
360 West Kirkpatrick St., 13204 View Map
360 West Kirkpatrick St. , 13204
Lead Department: Neighborhood and Business Development, Division of Planning and Sustainability Participating Departments:EngineeringParks, Recreation and Youth Programs
Join us for the following events to share your ideas:
Historic Freight House at the Inner Harbor, 425 Solar Street
Progress Park, 360 W. Kirkpatrick Street
Inner Harbor, 328 W. Kirkpatrick Street
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