DISCOVERY

”

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK

County Executive, Joanne M. MahoneyParks Commissioner, William Lansley

315-451-7275 | 106 LAKE DRIVE, LIVERPOOL, NEW YORK 13088

Each year over 3 million residents

and visitors create memories

here in Central New York that

will last a lifetime. They hike

through the woods at Highland

Forest, hit the beach at Oneida

Shores, enjoy the waterfront

trails at Onondaga Lake Park,

paddle a canoe at Beaver Lake

Nature Center, play disc golf at

Jamesville Beach Park, learn how to

fish at Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery, cheer

the Syracuse Chiefs at NBT Bank Stadium,

gaze upon the spectacular 137’ falls at Pratt’s

Falls Park and spend an incredible day at the

Rosamond Gifford Zoo. I invite you and your

family to explore, discover, get healthy or simply

relax and make your own memories at our

award-winning Onondaga County Parks.

– County Executive Joanie Mahoney

Information in this publication is correct as of June 2013 and subject to change.

GUIDE

“

WWW.ONONDAGACOUNTYPARKS.COM

SummerPenguin Palooza, Brew at the Zoo, Asian Elephant Extravaganza & Daily Animal Demonstrations.

FallZoo Boo, Squishing of the Squash & Veterans Day Celebration.

WinterNoon Year’s Eve , “Snow Leopard Days” featuring half-price admission, Winter at the Zoo Photo Contest & Sweet Treats.

SpringParty for the Planet, Animal Egg Stravaganza & Spring Break activities.

1 Conservation Place, Syracuse, NY 13204315-435-8511www.RosamondGiffordZoo.orginfo@rosamondgiffordzoo.org

Experience a special place where animals, many of them endangered species, are nurtured and celebrated. With more than 700 animals in its collection, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, one of Central New York’s premier family attractions and one of America’s finest mid-sized zoos, provides year-round adventure and learning opportunities for all ages. And since over half the exhibits are indoors, the Zoo experience is virtually weather-proof all the time.

Among others, the zoo is home to Amur tigers, red pandas, Humboldt penguins, African lions and a giant pacific octopus. Primate Park, features the sights and sounds of patas monkeys and siamangs while the Asian Elephant Preserve, a three acre area which includes room for the herd to roam and an elephant barn with great viewing opportunities, offers a home for our nationally recognized elephant breeding program.

An amazing gift shop, the Jungle Café and special events throughout the year guarantee an entertaining, educational and memorable visit for all.

Directions: From I-690 E. – Exit 8 (Hiawatha Blvd.), follow signs. From I-690 W. – Exit 10 (Geddes St.), follow signs. From I-81 S. – Exit 22 (Bear St.), follow signs.From I-81 N. – Take 690 W. to Geddes St., follow signs.

ZOOROSAMOND GIFFORD B U R N E T

PA R KAT

Open daily, 10am-4:30pmClosed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.Admission charged.

An incredible 850 species of plants and animals can be found in forests, meadows and wetlands on nine miles of winding trails. Canoe across the misty lake at dawn, glide on skis through a moonlit forest or observe thousands of geese, during migration, at sunset. Discover the great outdoors…maple sugaring in the spring, kayaking in the summer, colorful trails in the fall or snowshoeing/skiing in the winter.

The Visitor Center features a wonderful wildlife viewing room; great for meeting new friends, birdwatching or reading a book, a colorful children's room, plus exhibits, and an enticing gift shop. Over 400 public programs are offered ranging from summer nature camps and sunrise canoe tours to workshops and eco-tours.

Special Events:

It’s Maple Syrup Time a March ritual at the sugarbush

Golden Harvest Festivalcountry fair with music, crafts and supernatural midway

Enchanted Beaver Lake hundreds of lighted, carved pumpkins lining the trails

8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027

Directions: From I-81 or I-90, take I-690 W. (changes to N. at NYS Thruway) to second Baldwinsville exit, (370 W.), proceed west on Route 370 2 miles, turn right on to East Mud Lake Rd.

315-638-2519 • blnc@ongov.netOpen Daily, 7:30am – sunset

Admission charged

NATURE CENTER

B E AV E RLAKE

The “Central Park of Central New York” five-mile linear greenway, featuring four great trails - East Shore Recreational, Shoreline Walking, West Shore and Lakeland Nature - is bustling year-round with social interaction, special events, waterfront picnics, and the region’s premier skate and dog parks.

Wegmans Landing, a ten-acre venue, includes Wegmans Boundless Playground, and the 16,000 square foot concrete Onondaga Lake Skatepark. Courts for shuffleboard, bocce and volleyball, shaded picnic areas, ballfields, waterfront lawns, table games, observation area and a fishing pier. The Rental Shop at Onondaga Lake Park rents bicycles built for one, two, four or seven as well as other sports equipment and inline skates.

The popular Wegmans Tram runs daily from mid-May to mid-October and offers a leisurely four mile round-trip ride along the Lake.

On the site of an original boiling block where brine was turned into salt, The Salt Museum features artifacts, iron kettles, wooden barrels and other equipment which created an industry that earned Syracuse the nickname “The Salt City” and helped to push the creation of the Erie Canal.

The Onondaga Lake Park Marina, features the only paved boat launch on Onondaga Lake and a marina which can accommodate a variety of boats, with transient slips available.

The north end of Onondaga Lake Park is anchored by the Wegmans Good Dog Park, which provides a fenced waterfront playground where dogs of all sizes can run free, with sections for small and large canines. In addition, several picnic areas and shelters (available by reservation), Syracuse University boat house and archery course are found in this section of the park.

Nearby is Long Branch Park, site of ethnic festivals, large group picnics, family reunions and a perfect winter sledding hill and along the west side of Onondaga Lake, the Haley West Shore and Lakeland Nature Trails.

ONONDAGA

Home to Wegmans Lights on the Lake Central New York’s Top Holiday Attraction

Onondaga Lake Park Main Entrance 6790 Onondaga Lake TrailWillow Bay section 7199 Onondaga Lake TrailLong Branch Park 371 Long Branch RoadMailing Address 106 Lake Drive, Liverpool, NY 13088

Directions: From I-81 N. – Exit 24A (Liverpool), to Onondaga Lake Parkway (Route 370 W) to park entrance. From I-90 – Exit 38 (Liverpool), right on to Route 57 to Liverpool, to Onondaga Lake Parkway (Route 370 E) to the main park entrance.

LAKE PARK

Open Daily, Sunrise – ½ hour after sunset • Free admissionOffice 315-453-6712 • olp@ongov.netEquipment Rentals 315-453-6718Marina, Rowboat and Kayak Rentals 315-453-6721

PRATT’SFALLS

HIGHLAND

FOREST

Scenic trails leading to a 137’ cascading waterfall beckon visitors to enjoy an invigorating walk or picnic. This geological wonder, formed by retreating glaciers, was the site of Onondaga County’s first sawmill operation in 1796. Camp Brockway, a rustic community-styled lodge in a secluded forest sets the mood for weddings, family reunions and company outings.

7671 Pratt’s Falls RdManlius NY 13104315-435-5252 • pratts@ongov.net$1 per vehicle (suggested donation)Open April-October – Sunrise - Sunset

Directions: From I-81, Syracuse-take I-481 to Exit 2 (Jamesville). Turn left on to Route 173. Turn right on to Route 91 and go approx. 6 mi. Turn left on to Pratt’s Falls Rd., follow signs to park.

Escape to this special world of tall trees highlighted by miles of year-round trails ideal for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, including a portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail. The region’s favorite Nordic ski facility features classic groomed trails with the intermediate level terrain providing thrills on several downhill runs.

Horseback riding in Spring/Summer and horse-drawn sleighs head out into the woods on winter weekends. Rustic cabins and tenting areas are devoted to year-round youth group camping.

Skyline Lodge offers winter equipment rentals, a wonderful place to socialize, private party facilities and spectacular views of southern Onondaga County.

1254 Highland Forest Rd. • Box 31Fabius, NY 13063315-683-5550 • highland@ongov.netOpen daily • Admission charged8:30am-5:30pm March – November; 8:30am-4:30pm December – February

Directions: From I-81 - Exit 14 (Tully); east on Route 80, 12 miles.

Onondaga County Veterans Memorial CemeteryBeautiful memorial garden and meticulously landscaped grounds honor those who have defended our freedom.4069 Howlett Hill Road, Syracuse, NY 13215 13110 • 315-484-1564 • parks@ongov.net

Jordan Level Trail is part of the Western Canalway and can be accessed from the Sims Store in Camillus, the Village Park in Jordan, Laird Road and McDonald Road. This link is part of the Erie Canalway Trail National Heritage Corridor, being developed by the New York State Canal Corporation, which eventually will span all of Upstate New York. Ideal bicycle experience, with surprises including some great architecture as well as fine fishing holes. 315-689-9367

Otisco Lake Park a roadside three-acre property donated by Waldemar and Margory Hirsch provides invigorating views and shoreline fishing access in a free setting they called “heaven on earth.”2525 Otisco Valley Road, Marietta, NY 13110 • 315-689-9367 • Open daily, Sunrise to Sunset.

Spafford Forest The 701 acres of undeveloped land and wilderness of Spafford Forest offer challenging outdoor experiences.315-683-5550

The sandy beach and cool waters of Jamesville Reservoir, and sparkling Butternut Creek are great places to cool off, rent a canoe, paddleboat, rowboat or kayak or try shoreline fishing for bass, pike, and trout. Along with a visitor center, playground, shaded nooks for the ideal picnic, plus great spots to take a hike, or play disc golf, Jamesville offers the perfect place to bring the whole family. Home to the Annual Balloon Fest & Jazz Fest, this park is well-suited to host large functions of all kinds.

4110 West Shore Manor, Jamesville, NY 13078 • 315-435-5252 • jbeach@ongov.net

Open daily: 9am - Sunset, April - October. Visit website for beach hours.

Directions: From I-81 or I-690, I-481 to Exit 2 (Jamesville). South on Jamesville Road to Jamesville. Right on to Route 173, next left on to Apulia Road, 1.5 mi. to entrance.

AMESVILLE

BEACH

Oneida Shores Park’s sandy, shallow beach with the Driver's Village Playground, breezy picnic grounds, volleyball courts, kayak/power paddler rentals and great views of New York’s largest inland lake create a relaxing waterfront environment. This family friendly campground, the closest to I81 in the Northeast, is ideally suited to summer travelers, anglers, and Central New Yorkers looking for a weekend escape. Visitors have their choice of 50 waterview campsites in shaded areas with amenities

including dedicated restrooms and hot showers, utility hookups and complimentary access to the swimming and boating facilities. Seven reserved areas, anchored by the distinctive Arrowhead Lodge in a private section of the park, are available for large and small functions. The boat launch includes 7 extended launch ramps and over 300 ft of composite floating dock.

9400 Bartell Road, Brewerton, NY 13029 • 315-676-7366 • oneida@ongov.net

Open daily: 6am-8:30pm Summer, Sunrise-Sunset Winter. Visit website for beach hours.

Directions: From I-81 – Exit 31 (Brewerton); left onto Bartell Road for 1 mi. to beach entrance. For Arrowhead and McKinley areas, proceed on Bartell Road past beach entrance, then left on to Ladd Road & take first right into McKinley Ridge reserved area.

ONEIDA SHORES

PARK

Home of the Syracuse Chiefs International League professional baseball club, the Stadium also hosts high level interscholastic, collegiate and adult amateur ballgames. Ample seating for 11,117 is accented by suite, restaurant, picnic, and party areas and can be expanded for concerts.

1 Tex Simone Drive, Syracuse, NY 13208315-474-7833 • www.syracusechiefs.comDirections: From I-81, take Exit 25 (7th North St.) or Exit 23 (Hiawatha Blvd. East), follow signs.

SPORTS F TNESSAN

D

Free, walk-in group exercise classes offered summer weekdays in the Wegmans Landing section of Onondaga Lake Park are great ways to rejuvenate the body and meet new friends. Beaver Lake Nature Center hosts Tai Chi Chih and Yoga programs in the Spring and Fall with an emphasis on nature.

FITNESS FUN FOR

EVERYONE

This six diamond complex features five tournament-quality softball/kickball fields and a fenced baseball field. Summer and fall leagues for men, women, coed and senior teams dominate weeknights from April through early November with regional and national tournaments showcasing slowpitch and fast pitch action booked on several weekends.

4821 Hopkins Road, Liverpool, NY 13088 315-807-9546 • ronald@homerunsbsb.comDirections: From I-81, take Exit 25 (7th North St.) right to Buckley Rd. Go 1.5 miles and take left on to Hopkins Road Park; entry 1 mile on right.

HOPKINS ROAD PARK

One of only four county run hatcheries in the state, Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery in Elbridge has been in continuous operation since its inception in 1938 and produces 80,000+ Brook, Brown and Rainbow Trout annually. Staff and volunteers take great pride in stocking over 100 miles of streams each spring while popular public fishing programs take place through mid-summer.

New York is one of the top three fishing destinations in America and the Syracuse/Onondaga County Region, with 100 miles of streams, rivers and Finger Lakes is a big reason why. Residents and visitors alike enjoy world class fishing for walleye in Oneida Lake, bass and carp in Onondaga Lake and pike in Otisco Lake.

Monday Mile & Wegmans Passport to Family WellnessIncorporating 30 minutes of daily physical activity into your schedule is a great way to keep fit for life. The Monday Mile program and Wegmans Passport to Family Wellness are free programs that help as you track your way to better health. Visit our website to learn more. www.OnondagaCountyParks.com

NBT BANK

STADIUM

Athletic Boat Equipment Fishing Camping Historic Trails Food Fields Launch Rentals Sites Beaver Lake Nature Center • • Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery •Highland Forest Park • • • • • Hopkins Road Park • • Jamesville Beach Park • • • Jordan Level Trail • NBT Bank Stadium • • Oneida Shores Park • • • • • • Onondaga Lake Park • • • • • • Otisco Lake Park • Pratt’s Falls Park • • •Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park • • Sainte Marie Among the Iroquois • Salt Museum • Spafford Forest Veterans Memorial Cemetery

BLCBHFHRJBJL

NBTOS

OLPOTPF

ZOOSTESMSP

VMC

Map Key

Hot Fishing Spots

Onondaga County Parks features 21 outdoor reserved shelters and 3 indoor lodges - Arrowhead Lodge at Oneida Shores, Skyline Lodge at Highland Forest and Camp Brockway at Pratt’s Falls – and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, all available for large picnics, family reunions, company outings, graduations, weddings and more. These picturesque and unique locations are available throughout the county.

www.OnondagaCountyParks.com

Onondaga Lake ParkEast Shore Paved 3.5m/20' HighLakeland Nature Natural 1m LowShoreline Paved 2m/10' HighWest Shore Paved 2m/10' High

Jordan Level Stone Dust 4.7m/8' Mid

Highland Forest

Horseback Riding Natural 11m/8'Main Trail Natural 8.7m/5' Low Mountain Biking Natural 23.7m/3'-8' LowNature Trail Natural 1m/5' Low Short Cut Trail Natural 3.6m/5' Low

Beaver LakeBog Boardwalk .6m/4' LowDeep Woods Bark Chip 1.4m/8' MidHemlock Hollow Bark Chip .4/8' MidLake Loop Bark Chip/Boardwalk 3m/8' MidLakeview Fine gravel .3m/8' HighPine Meadows Bark Chip .5/8' MidThree Meadows Bark Chip 1.5m/8' MidWoodland Bark Chip 1.1m/8' Mid

Pratt’s Falls Natural 4.4m/5' Low

Jamesville Beach Cross-Country Trail Natural, Bark Chip, Grass 10k/5-16' MidNature Trail Natural, Bark Chip, Grass 2m/5-10' Mid

PARK/TRAIL NAME SURFACE LENGTH/WIDTHACCESSIBILITY

Scan the code & start your adventure today!

Dog Friendly

THE PARTY STARTS HERE...

YEAR-ROUND FUN...

ShelterRentals ••

•

••

•

NBT