City Parks Announces Playground Engagement Opportunities

Published on June 06, 2022

Playgrounds include: Cannon Street Community Center, Upper Onondaga Park and Spirit of Jubilee Park

Syracuse, N.Y. – The Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs announced community engagement this summer for the playgrounds at Cannon Street Community Center, Upper Onondaga Park, and Spirit of Jubilee Park.  The goal of the engagements is to gain a better understanding of the community’s wants and needs to assist the Parks planning team with potential design decisions. The objective for each project is to deliver an on-trend playground that is functional, safe, inclusive, and enhances recreation and the play experience in each neighborhood.

“We know that involving our residents is the key to delivering successful improvements in our parks and facilities,” said Parks Commissioner Julie LaFave. “Understanding that community engagement is not a one size fits all approach, the Parks planning team is using a variety of strategies to connect with community members including, but not limited to attending public meetings, tabling informal events, administering online/in-person surveys, and scheduling meet and greets in the parks with the hope of reaching as many people as possible.”

Cannon Street Playground, 529 Cannon Street, Syracuse, NY, 13205

Phase I of this project includes the replacement of the existing aging swing set. A fall 2022 installation is anticipated. Phase II of this project includes the addition of play structures to compliment the swing set. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding of $100,000 will cover both phases at this location.

The team will be onsite at the following days and times looking for feedback for Phase II of the playground project:

  • Thursday, June 9, 4:00–6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 9, 1:00–3:00 p.m.

A team member will also be attending the Southside TNT Meeting on June 6 at 6:00 p.m.  An online survey can be found at bit.ly/CannonStreetPlaygroundSurvey and will close on Thursday, July 11. Questions can be directed to Brian Messe at bmesse@syrgov.net or (315) 473-4330

Spirit of Jubilee Playground, 201 South Avenue, Syracuse, NY, 13204

This project will include the replacement and enhancement of existing play structures. Through previously approved capital funding, the department has allocated $150,000 to the project.

The Parks team will be onsite at the following event:

  • Sunday, August 21, 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Showcase Sunday

A Parks team member will also be attending the Southside TNT Meeting on September 12 at 6:00 p.m. An online survey will be available beginning Aug. 21. Questions can be directed to Alexa Gellar at ageller@syrgov.net or (315) 473-4330

Upper Onondaga Park Playground, 531 Roberts Avenue, Syracuse, NY, 13027

This project will include the replacement of the existing aging play structures after a series of community input and engagement sessions. This project is made possible with grant funding secured by Assemblyman William Magnarelli totaling $150,000.

The Parks team will be onsite at the following:

  • Tuesday, July 26, 6:00–8:00  p.m. at POPS in the Park
  • Friday, Aug. 12, 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Movies in the Park
  • Wednesday, Aug. 17, 3:00–5:00 p.m. at the playground

A team member will also be attending the Southside TNT Meeting on Aug. 1, at 6:00 p.m. An online survey will be available beginning July 26. Questions can be directed to Josh Wilcox at jwilcox@syrgov.net  or (315) 473-4330

Northside Public Engagement

Also, public engagement for the Northside Parks improvements began May 5. The feedback compiled during the Northside engagement process will be used to determine Park priorities and guide the investment of the $300,000 ARPA funds allocated for the Northside Parks.

Parks and Recreation has two more Meet & Greets as well as two open houses to present the results of all Northside Parks engagement.

  • Thursday Meet & Greet, June 16, 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery, 900 Lodi Street
  • Saturday Meet & Greet, June 18, 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Highland Playlot, 401 Highland Street
  • Thursday Open House, July 7 5:00–7:30 p.m. at White Branch Library
  • Thursday Open House, July 28 5:00–7:30 p.m. at White Branch Library

There is an online survey on the Northside Parks at bit.ly/northsideparkssurvey. It will be open until June 20. Questions can be directed to Alexa Gellar at ageller@syrgov.net or 315-473-4330

 Additional engagement opportunities may be added for each project. Follow us on Facebook (@SyracuseParksRec) or check Syracuse.recdesk.com for updates.

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