20 for 2020: This year in pictures

December 30, 2020

This week, one that will launch us into the new year, FSP is taking a look back with 20 for 2020 -- twenty images of Stewart Park and the Cayuga Waterfront Trail that aim to capture this roller coaster ride of a year, as seen in Stewart Park and along the Waterfront Trail.

We look forward to 2021 to celebrate Stewart Park’s 100 years as a public lakefront park on July 4, 1921, and all that we hope a vaccine could bring to our lives.

Thank you so much for your generous support of Friends of Stewart Park - we are truly grateful.

This week is the last opportunity to make a 2020 charitable gift. Remember in 2020, contributions up to $300 can be deducted from your taxes. Donate online, return the FSP mailing you may have received, or mail a check to: FSP, 120 Brindley Street, Suite 4, Ithaca 14850. If you’d like to make a stock transfer to FSP, please call our office at 607-319-4766.

Enjoy your holiday week, stay safe, and have a Happy New Year!

The Staff and Board of Friends of Stewart Park

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION KICKOFF

SAVE THE DATE

Birds of Stewart Park with
Dr. Stephen Kress

February 17, 2021, 7pm

Join FSP for for the first event in our Centennial series, as guest Dr. Stephen Kress, author and ornithologist, introduces some of the more than 100 bird species that frequent Stewart Park.

Dr. Kress is well-known in Ithaca and beyond as an entertaining teacher who uses stunning images and audio recordings to enliven his presentations. This online program for any and all bird enthusiasts, explains why Stewart Park is such a popular destination for both birds and birders. Registration details to come!

20 for 2020
The year in pictures

1. Winter 2020: Cascadilla Boathouse overlooking the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary Pond. The design for the Cascadilla Boathouse exterior restoration project began this year and is planned for summer 2021 construction.

2. March 2020: Covid shut down the world, including the Cass Park and Stewart Park playgrounds. FSP cancelled planned programs and playgrounds wouldn't officially reopen for months.

3. March 2020: Playground construction continued with the installation of a new cover to protect our beloved Stewart Park Carousel.

4. April 2020: Your votes won Friends of Stewart Park a $2000 Southern Tier Tuesdays grant.

5. April 2020: Volunteers turned out for several physically-distanced waterfront cleanups in the Park and along the Trail.

6. May 2020: To encourage mask wearing, FSP obtained locally made reusable masks. Over 400 masks were handed out in 3 Giveaways in Stewart Park.

7 and 8. June 2020 We Can't Breathe and Black Lives Matter - are important messages to see, hear and confront, even in this beautiful park setting. FSP was thankful no greater damage occurred (in Binghamton, a new wooden playground was burned to the ground), yet also stands in solidarity with those seeking justice for George Floyd and for all people with black and brown skin. Buildings are just that: buildings. No building is more important than human life. The city of Ithaca had the buildings cleaned in about a week, but left the messages along sidewalks for us all to reflect on.

9. Summer: FSP Cornell work study horticulturalist Tristan Weise helped beautify Stewart Park and the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, here with Trail lover Mary Zebell near the birding kiosk in Cass Park.

10. Summer 2020: Thousands of people safely exercise and recreate on the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. The new section at Treman Marine Park was especially popular.

11. Summer 2020: The entrance garden and other spots in Stewart Park were carefully maintained by volunteer crews.

12. August 2020: A small group of park enthusiasts gathers for the new Stewart Park Playground Ribbon Cutting while others watched virtually from home. Pictured: (top row) FSP Executive Director Rick Manning; FSP Board President Diana Riesman; Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton; and Mayor Svante Myrick.

13 a, b & c. Summer 2020: The Inclusive Stewart Park Playground opens to rave reviews.

14: September 2020: Video: The Motolo Family explains what the Inclusive Playground means to them

15. September 2020: Cornell Outdoor Education is able to continue their popular tree climbing class in the park. Participants distanced and wore masks, but these sisters are in the same bubble.

16. September 2020: Friends of Stewart Park holds its first ever virtual Party for the Park. The benefit features fun and educational park videos, a raffle, and performances by local musicians, including songs by Nellia Mattson, filmed playing in the park.

16. November 2020: Friends of Stewart Park launches a new website for the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, www.cayugawaterfronttrail.net.

16. November 2020: FSP hosts a park cleanup and bulb planting with Zero-Waste Ithaca. Zero-Waste focused on cleaning up the waterfront while FSP organized volunteers to clean up the playground and nearby pollinator beds and plant daffodils for spring.

17. November 2020: We said goodbye to playground champion and dear friend Elayne Nicholas. Elayne united us all behind a vision for a beautiful and accessible playground. Her fundraising skills and boundless energy helped make the playground a reality. Elayne had a passion for books and learning, and Elayne's Lending Library in the kiosk near the playground will be dedicated in her honor.

18. December 2020: Friends of Stewart Park receives a Susan Blumenthal Pride of Ownership Award for the Stewart Park Inclusive Playground. The award was given by the Rotary Club and the City of Ithaca.

19. December 2020: Friends of Stewart Park unveils a celebratory logo for Stewart Park's Centennial Year, created by Iron Design. The graphic embraces Stewart Park's iconic Willows and lake views, and reflects the archways seen throughout the Park.

Photo credit: @abhinavjindal93 on Instagram:

20. December 2020: Friends of Stewart Park bids goodbye to a truly "unprecedented" year. We look forward to a 2021 and celebrating Stewart Park's centennial as a public park with an exciting array of virtual and in-person programming, musical events, exhibits, and a commemorative fourth of July celebration. WE'LL SEE YOU IN 2021!!!

Support Friends of Stewart Park

Friends of Stewart Park is a non-profit organization with a mission to enhance, revitalize and maintain Stewart Park and the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, in partnership with the City of Ithaca and park stakeholders, for the enjoyment of Ithaca residents and visitors to our community.

Copyright © 2020 Friends of Stewart Park, All rights reserved.

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