The Fuertes Outlook

The Fuertes Overlook in Stewart Park was built in 1933, as a gift to the City from the Cayuga Bird Club (CBC) in honor of the famous ornithologist and artist Louis Agassiz Fuertes, who was instrumental in preserving the bird sanctuary named in his honor and the Renwick Wildwood.

The structure overlooks the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary and “swan pond” which was also funded by the CBC and constructed in 1928.

In 2018, FSP restored the overlook— the interior walls were repaired and grouted, the flagstone reset, new railings were installed, and attractive landscaping was added at the entrance. However, external wall damage was discovered in winter of 2020. Repairs will cost upwards of $24,000.

In 2021, a $20,000 gift in honor of the late Dr. Tapan Mitra has been given to restore the exterior of this beloved Stewart Park landmark.

Cayuga Waterfront Trail

The City of Ithaca, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce’s Cayuga Waterfront Trail Initiative,  completed the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, an 8 mile, multi-use trail linking Stewart Park to the Visitor Center, Farmers Market, West End, Cass Park and Allan H. Treman State Marine Park.

Future plans to enhance the Waterfront Trail in Stewart Park include extending the trail along the south edge of Stewart Park to create a loop linking the main park entry to the Flagpole Garden, the proposed new playground, the Lagoon, and the pedestrian entry of the park at the pedestrian bridges and boardwalk at the park’s southwest corner.

Learn all about the Cayuga Waterfront Trail here.