In 2001, under the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, with leadership chamber president Jean McPheeters and Landscape Architect Rick Manning, the “Cayuga Waterfront Trial Initiative” began planning and fundraising for a waterfront trail.
2003: Phase I of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail opens in Cass Park
2009: Stewart Park Rehabilitation Action Plan is introduced.
2010: Phase II of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail opens, connecting the Farmers Market to Stewart Park and Tompkins County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
2011: Friends of Stewart Park forms under the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce.
2015: Phase III of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail opens, connecting Cass Park to the Farmers Market.
2016: Friends of Stewart Park becomes an independent nonprofit.
2017: The Black Diamond Trail opens, linking Ithaca to Taughannock Falls.
2019: Phase IV of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail opens at Alan Treman State Marine Park.
2019: Friends of Stewart Park assumes management of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail.
