Onondaga Lake Park

Not to be confused with Onondaga Park.
Onondaga Lake Park

Onondaga Lake with the Syracuse skyline in the background
Location East shore of Onondaga Lake
6790 Onondaga Lake Trail
Liverpool, New York
Coordinates 43°5′58″N 76°12′8″W / 43.09944°N 76.20222°W / 43.09944; -76.20222Coordinates: 43°5′58″N 76°12′8″W / 43.09944°N 76.20222°W / 43.09944; -76.20222

Onondaga Lake Park is a 7.5 mile linear greenway located on the shores of Onondaga Lake, immediately west of Syracuse, New York. Most of the park lies in Liverpool.[1]

The park offers miles of shoreline nooks and crannies that provide options for family picnics, including developed areas in Willow Bay and Cold Springs. It has long been the park of choice for many special events, sporting competitions and festivals and attracts over one million visitors each year.[1]

The park is also home to the Salt Museum, East Shore Recreation Trail and West Shore Trail.[1]

History

See also: Onondaga Lake

Onondaga Lake Park has a legacy of history reflecting 500 years of community growth and has long been the park of choice for many special events, sporting competitions and festivals.[1]

Park activities

Activities at the park include team sports, in-line skate lessons and bicycle-built-for-two rentals. Additionally, archery, boating, bikes and skates and kickball are popular activities in the park.[2] The park also has paved, vehicle free trails and offers free outdoor wireless internet in the Griffin Visitor Center area.[1]

There is a tram that shuttles visitors between the Willow Bay Cafe and the Salt Museum. The suggested admission is $1 per visitor and $1 per tram ride.[2]

Cold Springs Mud Lock

The Cold Springs Mud Lock, constructed in 1828, is located next to the old Erie Canal near a stone dust trail that leads to a small bridge over the lock. The Mud Lock was originally built out of wood, however, was rebuilt in 1836 using stone. The current lock was constructed by the Work relief program in the 1930s. At that time, the footbridge was also added.[3]

East Shore Recreation Trail

The East Shore Recreation Trail is 2.5 miles (4.0 km) long and ends near the Wegmans Good Dog Park. The trail is located next to the Cold Springs entrance on NYS Route 370. Not far from the trail are the Syracuse University crew facilities and public crew and kayak launch.[1] Over two and one-half miles long and twenty feet wide, this paved trail is ideal for in-line skating and bicycling. During the peak season of April to October, pedestrian use is allowed only if it does not impede wheeled users and stay within three feet of the shoulder and with no more than two abreast. Dogs are not allowed on the trail during peak season. Trams follow the center line.

Shoreline Walking Trail

Designated for walkers and runners, only foot traffic is allowed on this two mile long trail adjacent to the eastern lake shore. Distance markers along the route help users log their mileage. Special uses (strollers, children's bicycles with training wheels, tricycles and wheel chair users) are also permitted on this trail which is not plowed in the winter.

West Shore Trail

The West Shore Trail is 4.5 miles (7.2 km) long from where it connects to the East Shore Recreation Trail at its most western end to its most eastern end off Exit 7 of Interstate 690. Located along the scenic western shore of Onondaga Lake, this paved trail meanders through over 4.5 miles of woodlands and open areas. It is perfect for bicyclists, walkers, runners and nature enthusiasts. This side of Onondaga Lake is rich in history; several resorts and dance halls once stood here. Several shelters and benches can be found along the trail for visitors convenience. The newly opened extension offers spectacular lake and city views and runs right through the new Lakeview Amphitheater, though that portion of the trail is closed during all concert events.

Lakeland Trail

Located off the West Shore Trail, this partial stonedust and natural surfaced trail is ideal for solitude and observation.

Griffin Visitor Center

The Griffin Visitor Center is an information facility named after 1928 community leader, Joseph A. Griffin.[4]

Skate park

There is a 16,900-square-foot (1,570 m2) concrete Skate park for skateboarders, inline skaters as well as BMX. Some of the features include quarter pipes, grind rails, spines, hips and gaps to challenge every level of skater.[4]

Wegmans Good Dog Park

The Wegmans Good Dog Park was the first of its kind in Central New York and is located in the Cold Springs Mud Lock[3] section of Onondaga Lake Park. It is open from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week year round.[1]

Entrance to the park is located at 49 Cold Springs Trail in Liverpool off NYS Route 370. There is a suggested donation of $1 per person at the main gate. The park is maintained with private donations.[1]

Onondaga Lake Park marina

The Onondaga Lake Park Marina is located on Onondaga Lake Parkway in Liverpool.[2]

The marina has the lake's only paved public boat launch. Guests may dock their own, while rentals are also made available for up to a day of sailing.[4]

Salt Museum

Salt Museum on Onondaga Lake in Liverpool, New York about 1960

The Work relief program included the construction of the Salt Museum which was built around a "still standing" boiling block chimney. The museum opened in 1933 and is still in operation.[5] The museum is run by the Onondaga County Parks Department and is closed during the winter months.[6]

Park events

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Onondaga Lake Park". Onondaga County Parks, 2010. Retrieved November 7, 2010.
  2. 1 2 3 "Onondaga Lake Park Longbranch Park". Syr-Area.com , 2010. Retrieved November 7, 2010.
  3. 1 2 "Directions". Onondaga County Parks, 2010. Retrieved November 7, 2010.
  4. 1 2 3 "Onondaga Lake Park". Syrguide.com , 2010. Retrieved November 7, 2010.
  5. ↑ Bell, Valerie Jackson. "The Onondaga New York Salt Works (1654 - 1926)". Science Tribune, October 1998. Retrieved November 5, 2010.
  6. ↑ Chan, Sewell (December 31, 2009). "On the Road: A Proudly Salty Reputation". The New York Times, New York, New York, December 31, 2009. Retrieved November 8, 2010.
  7. ↑ "Antiquefest at Long Branch Park". syracuse.com.

External links

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