July 3, 2020

Generosity abounds in Ithaca!

June came to a close with some great news for our children when Purity Ice Cream, the Legacy Foundation, and many other donors via the United Way of Tompkins County contributed over $80,000 to enable the Alex Haley Pool to open this summer. (Sidenote: Heather and Bruce Lane at Purity have also given generously to Friends of Stewart Park, specifically for the new Splash Pad). Just two days later, Mayor Svante Myrick announced that the City of Ithaca will reopen playgrounds after receiving an anonymous $25,000 donation. We are deeply grateful for these acts of generosity.

In July, Friends of Stewart Park is looking forward to completing the construction of the second phase of our Inclusive Playground at Stewart Park so we can open the playground get back to the business of play! Read on to learn more about that project and other happenings in the Park and on the Trail this July!

Happy 99th Birthday, Stewart Park!

July 4, 2020, marks the 99th anniversary of the day Stewart Park opened as a public park. Rick Manning, Executive Director of Friends of Stewart Park, shares some park history and news.

Thanks Gardening Volunteers!

Thanks to Richie Holtz for his work on the Cayuga Waterfront Trail and to Elke Schofield, Louise Sallinger, Kris Altucher, Anndrea Mathers, Kevin Draiss, Janine Willis, Eileen Sheehan for their work in Stewart Park this week. Read on to learn more about Rugosa Row and how you can help too.

Richie says, "My wife Carol and I love to walk or bike parts of the Waterfront Trail several times a week. The stretch between The Haunt and the TCAT bus garage is lined with the most beautiful rugosa rose bushes. And unlike so many roses grown for mainly for show, these roses have a marvelous scent, so when we pass by, we, as they say, “stop and smell the roses.” We call that stretch Rugosa Row. I noticed that the area was becoming overrun with vines and thistles. Friends of Stewart Park is now helping the City maintain the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, so with Rick Manning's blessing, I worked every morning and completed the task in 8 days. It was satisfying work, and I love being able to smell the roses again!"

Thanks to another Fall Creeker resident and trail lover Mary Zebell (masked and on right) for her gardening assistance this spring at the Bird Garden along the Cass Park Trail. This kiosk and surrounding native plant garden was created in 2008 with the support of the Triad Foundation. Last year FSP received a follow up grant to reprint the 4 faded panels and to restore the front beds that frame the kiosk. Mary and her able volunteer assistant Tristan Wiese (left) replanted the beds during the course of the spring.

If you'd like to help on Rugosa Row, or adopt a section or special location in the park or along Cayuga Waterfront Trail, email Rick!

Mask Giveaway: Part 3

Friends of Stewart Park will be doing another mask giveaway, weather permitting, next Wednesday July 8, 5:30 PM -7:00 PM (while supplies last)

We will have tables close to the Picnic "Large" Pavilion along the Waterfront Trail while supplies last.

We have plenty of cloth masks, both plain white manufactured masks and stylish fabric masks hand crafted by local volunteers. Please limit to one mask per person (or per person you are getting masks for) and remember social distancing guidelines when selecting your mask!

Spread the word! Share the event on Facebook! Thank you, and see you at the park!

The Final Phase: Splash Pad and Bathrooms
As Phase II nears completion, we look ahead to Phase III of the Inclusive Playground

See the Incredible Splash Pad our partner, Aquatix, created in Watertown, NY, in action!

FSP is raising funds for Phase III of the Inclusive Playground, a bigger, better, water efficient and accessible new Splash Pad! Check out the video above to see a representative Splash Pad in action. On top of that, this final phase includes an accessible seasonal bathroom building.

Give Now

MORE PARK & TRAIL NEWS

FIREWORKS
No fireworks in Stewart Park, but you can still find them nearby
There will be no annual fireworks show this year in Stewart Park with Ithaca Rotary Club concluding that other and more pressing demands on scarce philanthropic resources should take priority during the Coronavirus pandemic. However, you can find public fireworks this weekend in Groton and or see a private show with music and dinner at Celebrations Banquet Facility. We'll see you fireworks lovers in 2021!

BATHROOMS
Bathrooms Open
The City of Ithaca has opened the bathrooms in Stewart Park. Due to the unstable nature of the COVID-19 Crisis, things may change, but for now, open restrooms in the park, along the trail are a welcome sight. Please note that due to very limited staffing, restroom may have to temporarily close if cleaning staff are out. Bathrooms in Cass Park are also open.

PLAYGROUND
Parts of the Playground Open
While parts of Phase I and Phase II are still closed while finishing touches are being put in, all of the older structures in Stewart Park are now open for play. In addition, the Toddler Swings, Boulder Net Climber and Sand Play area of Phase I are also open.

PLAYGROUND
Splash Pad Open
Curb Cut for Accessibility
The Splash Pad opened last weekend! Kids can run through the sprinklers daily, starting around 10:30, and as weather permits. Stewart Park Maintenance cut the curb at the Splash Pad entrance this year for greater accessibility. Friends of Stewart Park is currently raising money for the new bigger, better Splash Pad to be be installed as part of Phase III of the Inclusive Playground. If you'd like to donate, head to stewartpark.org/splash!

RECREATION
Ithaca Bike Rental to Open
The Youth Bureau let us know that they will be opening Ithaca Bike Rental this summer. Their goal is to have it up and running by Monday, July 6.

ROWING
Cascadilla Boat Club Resumes Classes

CBC says they now have staff lined up and systems in place to begin adult learn to row classes on July 6. They say, "We strive to support participants in the attainment of their rowing goals, from recreation to the highest levels of competition. We offer three week-long, introductory learn-to-row classes for adults, as well as membership options for experienced rowers."

FOOD AND DRINK
Luna Truck In the Park Daily
Luna Inspired Street Food has set up their food truck in the Northeast end of the park. The truck will be operating daily from noon to 8:00pm. Stop over for some Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese or one of the other many delicious menu items. The Truck also has water and soft drinks available for purchase.

FUNDRAISER
SAVE THE DATE!

This year, the 5th Annual Party for the Park will go virtual!

We hope you can join us! Thursday, September 17. More details to come!

CLICK TO MAKE A GIFT

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