Park's Open (for now); Social Distancing on Trails; Solo Waterfront Trail Cleanups

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Dear Park and Trail Friends,

Stewart Park and the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, along with Cass Park and the Black Diamond Trail, remain open and in use by many of us who crave the outdoors and physical activity during this unprecedented time. The latest Tompkins County Health Department messag ing  reminds us to stay at home to limit the spread of COVID-19, but also tells us that park and trail use is fine, with proper distancing. So, if you feel the need to get outside for some fresh air and exercise, as many do, please maintain distancing and do not touch surfaces, such as benches and water fountains.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reminds us "Getting outdoors to walk, jog, hike, ride a bicycle, fish, or visit a park or state lands is a healthy way to stay active, spend time with immediate household family members, and reduce stress and anxiety when practicing social distancing. While indoor spaces and restrooms may be closed out of an abundance of caution to prevent community spread of COVID-19, many parks, grounds, forests, and trails are open during daylight hours, seven days a week."

City of Ithaca Park Status
Earlier today Cass Park Director Jim D'Alterio sent an update on City parks and trails. The following City Parks and Trails are open for public use: Stewart Park, Cass Park, Cayuga Waterfront Trail, and other neighborhood parks including the Skate Park. Open air pavilions in the parks are open but not available for reservation. One set of restrooms at Stewart Park is open (in the Wharton Building/Maintenance Building). The following park facilities are closed: playgrounds, tennis/pickleball courts, and basketball courts.  Athletic fields are open but cannot be reserved for exclusive use at this time.

The new Treman Marine Park Waterfront Trail extension is open and a wonderful place to visit. Of course many are visiting our state parks and hiking trails.   Check out this N Y State Parks link before you plan your park visit.

Friends of Stewart Park remains committed to revitalizing our beloved waterfront park and caring for the Cayuga Waterfront Trail in these uncertain times. Please read on for some of the ways we are working with the City of Ithaca keep our waterfront safe and clean for park and trail users.

Stay safe! Stay well! And keep your distance!

Social Distancing

When outside of your home, social distancing is critical for keeping us all safe during this time of rapid virus spread. Do your part by keeping at least 6 feet between you and other park and trail users. Friends of Stewart Park placed these signs out along the Cayuga Waterfront Trail last week to remind others to do the same.

We like this diagram from the Austin Parks Foundation shared by Erin Marteal of the Ithaca Children's Garden.

To reiterate, six feet is the minimum distance you should keep between you and people not in your household, and it is farther than you may realize! Please be respectful of other trail users by keeping your distance. The trail bridges over Fall Creek in Stewart Park are only 5' wide, so please wait your turn before crossing. Luckily, Ithaca's many one-lane bridges have been priming us for just this task - think Forest Home or Brindley Street.

Solo Waterfront Cleanup

This is the time of year that Friends of Stewart Park and many of our waterfront friends - Greenstar, TC Dog, and the Ithaca Dragon Boat Club to name a few - would normally be hosting a large spring waterfront cleanup. As we all know, this is no longer possible. However, we invite you to do your own solo cleanup! Wear your boots and gloves (definitely gloves!) and take a garbage bag down to the Cayuga Waterfront Trail to pick up trash……or push a broom down a section of the trail….or adopt a garden bed to tend (with coaching only please)! There are lots of ways to help while maintaining best practices of social distancing with anyone outside of your household. Want to adopt a garden bed or learn about a high needs areas that especially need clean up? Contact Rick rick@friendsofstewartpark.org.

Playground Phase II Work on Hold

The City of Ithaca is currently awaiting guidance from the State of New York on whether construction of Phase II of the playground can proceed as planned during the next two to three months. We were very fortunate to have nice weather last fall and made great progress. There are a few modifications and additions to the new play structure before the accessible safety surfacing is installed. This rubber surfacing will be placed throughout most of Phase II and parts of Phase I and will greatly enhance its accessibility! Another upshot to the delay is that this will allow for better grass establishment on the sloped berm. We will keep you posted as the schedule becomes more clear.

Want to help with the cleanup up? Volunteer another way? Join a committee? Email Rick!
rick@friendsofstewartpark.org

Your tax deductible donation to FSP helps revitalize Stewart Park now and in the future!

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March 30 Enews- Park is Open (for now); Social Distancing on Trails; Solo Waterfront Trail Cleanups

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