FSP, with Wharton Studio Museum, plans to develop the Wharton Studio building where silent films were once made —currently a City of Ithaca Department of Public Works storage and maintenance facility—into the Wharton Studio & Cafe, with a exhibits, park information and indoor and outdoor seating.

Two essential play area projects remain: the playground bathrooms and accessible splash pad. Together, these two features echo your values as a community, creating a more inclusive, accessible, and engaging play area for everyone.

The Bathrooms in the Wharton Studio Building are now winterized and accessible. Conveniently located in the center of the park, these silent film inspired facilities are the first step in the creation of the Wharton Studio Park Center, a project in partnership with Wharton Studio Museum.

Stewart Park has become home to a state-of-the-art accessible playground! The playground includes preschool structures inspired by Stewart Park history and a sprawling school age structure, with slides, monkey bars, climbing and spinning features, and entry points at varying elevations.

Knowing more about Stewart Park’s unique history helps park patrons appreciate the park even more. Friends of Stewart Park and Wharton Studio Museum have installed interpretive panels on historic buildings.

Under the advocacy of the Cayuga Bird Club, In 1914, Renwick Wildwood was designated a nature preserve by the City of Ithaca. This interpretive panel which tells the story of how the woodland is important for bird life.

Friends of Stewart Park has been revitalizing the Carousel through the years, from painting the horses and adding a ramp for improved accessiblity, to installing a permanent cover and more attractive fence.

Visitors to Stewart Park arriving through the main entrance are now greeted by a new planting installation.