LOCATION:
The park is bounded by Roberts Avenue, Crossett Street and Onondaga Avenue.
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GENERAL INFORMATION:
Acreage: 67.00
Community Park
FEATURES:
Swimming Pool
The pool at Upper Onondaga park is a 50 meters long, six lanes L-shaped outdoor pool, with a capacity of 352 bathers. The water depth ranges from 3 feet 6 inches to 12 feet, and children must be a minimum of 3 feet, 10 inches to swim. The pool also has a children's spray fountain.
Athletic Fields and Courts
Upper Onondaga Park has 8 tennis courts and 3 basketball courts.
Playground
Playground consisting of swings, slides, seesaws, and climbing bars.
Firebarn (No longer in use)
Renovations will begin Fall 2008 to restore the building for community use.
Hiawatha Lake and Band Gazebo
In 1911 and the succeeding years the old Water Co. reservoir was made into a Hiawatha Lake and lagoon with stone walls around its edges and around a newly formed island 60 feet in diameter. In a few years, the band stand, 30 feet in diameter, was built.
RELATED INFORMATION:
Sitting in Hiawatha Lake in Onondaga Park, the Gazebo is one of the most picturesque settings for your wedding ceremony and/or photos. Connected to the mainland by a small footbridge, the Gazebo can accommodate approximately 40 people. Restrooms are nearby at the park's bathhouse and available upon request, by noting so on the application form.
Please note: Parking is along the park's main road. Please do not park on the grassy areas. There is no access for vehicles on the service roads. Any chairs or other amenities you want to bring must be brought in via a handcart. Chairs/Decorations: If you need chairs, you would be responsible for obtaining, transporting and removing them from the site. Please do not staple, tape or nail anything in or on the gazebo structure. The Gazebo in Onondaga Park does not have a power source.
The space must be reserved through the City's Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs (315) 473-4330. The Parks department will provide a permit application and waiver form, and will be able to answer any questions you may have.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION:
In about 1900, Syracuse acquired 80 acres of property formerly used as a city reservoir. The larger part, lying west of Onondaga Avenue is called Upper Onondaga Park. The reservoir, with rip-rapped stone sides, and adjoining oak and hickory grove were used for swimming and picnicking with little change for a few years. John McCarthy, a funeral director, had built at his own expense two wooden piers 50 yards apart with a bathhouse at each pier, also a wooden building for the guards and attendants. The reservoir was soon transformed into a lake and lagoon containing over 15 acres of great scenic beauty. The lake also affords facilities for swimming, skating, and an annual fish derby for younger folk. A bandstand on an island near the edge of the lake is the scene of many enjoyable concerts. There is also a lovely grove used for picnics.
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