Ithaca, NY — February 13, 2023 — Revitalization efforts in Stewart Park received a big boost recently, thanks, in part, to the advocacy of New York State District 125 Assemblymember Anna Kelles. With the support of Kelles, a total of $500,000 in New York State Economic Development Funds has been allocated from the NYS State Assembly for two separate projects in Stewart Park.
The first project, a new Accessible Splash Pad and Seasonal Bathroom Building will complete the park’s Inclusive Playground that was constructed in 2020 with $1 million in NYS funding support, as well as support from local foundations, businesses and individuals. The new Splash Pad, which will feature a mural of the Finger Lakes on its “floor” will be larger and more engaging, accessible, and more water efficient. The adjacent accessible Bathroom Building will feature a gender-neutral/family restroom with an adult changing table along with Men’s and Women’s restrooms.
The second project is an Addition to the Picnic “Large” Pavilion to house Stewart Park Day Camp equipment currently stored in the historic Wharton Studio/DPW Building across the parking lot from the Picnic Pavilion. The Addition will provide safer and more convenient access to camp bikes, canoes, and art supplies for campers and staff. Also, the construction of the Addition is a crucial step in developing the Wharton Studio Park Center, a year-round destination in the lakefacing section of the Wharton Studio Building that will feature exhibits about Ithaca and the studio’s role in early American moviemaking and a cafe with terraces looking onto Cayuga Lake.
Anna Kelles says “Stewart Park has been a jewel of the Finger Lakes for more than a century, providing families and visitors enjoyment along Cayuga Lake. The collaboration between Friends of Stewart Park, the City of Ithaca, Wharton Studio Museum, Tompkins County, and New York State to provide two vital enhancements to the Park will expand access, beauty, and joy. A new splash pad will provide children with a wonderful new and improved place to play and cool off in the hot summer months. An extension to the Picnic Pavilion will add safety and utility, allowing summer campers streamlined access to camp equipment without having to worry about car traffic, and it will also pave the way for the Wharton Studio Park Center in the historic Wharton Studio Building. Ithaca prides itself on inclusiveness, and these improvements help move our community toward greater accessibility for all.”
Official announcement of the funding took place Thursday, February 9, 2023, at Stewart Park, with brief remarks from Assemblymember Kelles, as well as by Rick Manning of Friends of Stewart Park, Diana Riesman of Wharton Studio Museum, and Ithaca’s Acting Mayor Ducson Nguyen.
Since its formation in 2011, Friends of Stewart Park (FSP) has been working in partnership with the City of Ithaca, which owns the park, and with Wharton Studio Museum and other community partners to restore, enhance and improve Stewart Park.
“FSP’s partnership with the WSM, the City of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York State, and the Ithaca community to revitalize the park has been a great success,” says Friends of Stewart Park Executive Director Rick Manning.“ We are grateful to New York State for its past support of important park improvement projects such as the Stewart Park Playground and restoration of the iconic Cascadilla Boathouse, and now the Splash Pad and future Wharton Studio Park Center. We greatly appreciate Assemblymember Kelles’ interest and commitment to the park.”
