Friends of Stewart Park is delighted to share the great news that this week New York State's Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) initiative announced $5.9 million in grants for Tompkins County projects, including $500,000 for the Stewart Park Splash Pad and Playground Bathrooms project.
Plans are underway for Friends of Stewart Park, in cooperation with the City of Ithaca, to construct a new and universally-accessible Splash Pad, with an adjacent restroom facility in Stewart Park as the final phase of the overall playground improvements in the park.
The REDC, launched by former former Governor Mario Cuomo and continued by Governor Kathy Hochul, is a major part of the state’s ongoing effort to increase state investment and economic development. The regional councils are public-private partnerships made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government and non-governmental organizations.
Friends of Stewart Park is very grateful to NYS and the REDC for fully-funding its grant application this year!
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This grant moves FSP and the City forward in upgrading Stewart Park’s water play area! The current sprinkler feature is over 70 years old, has environmentally irresponsible features, and appeals mostly to toddlers and preschoolers. The beautiful new Splash Pad will be significantly larger and offer dynamic spray features, providing hours of fun for children of more ages. New accessible surfacing will lie flush with the ground, replacing harsh curbs that hinder wheelchair users. Water conservation measures, including a push start button and times water shutoff, will reduce water waste when kids aren’t using the splash pad. A beautiful mural of the Finger Lakes will adorn the floor of the splash pad.
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This new seasonal bathroom building, adjacent to the and splash pad, will evoke a sigh of relief from kids and parents alike! Located within the play area, this ADA-compliant restroom will match strides with FSP’s goals for parkwide inclusivity by providing women’s, men’s and and all-gender/family bathroom with an adult changing table.
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Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor in partnership with the NYS Canal Corporation have awarded Friends of Stewart Park with a $5,900 IMPACT! Grant to design and install five outdoor interpretive maps and signs that showcase Stewart Park's rich history, including its relationship to the Erie Canal. Thank you to the ECNHC for funding this enhancement project!
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