Stewart Park: A Place of Peace

Stewart Park: A Place of Peace
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A Place of Peace


In these quiet winter months, I feel a special appreciation for Stewart Park. The news of late has felt particularly loud, yet the park continues to offer something quietly remarkable: a place to breathe. Even as the broader national climate feels increasingly unsettled, the park remains a steady refuge—where the lake’s calm presence and the simple rhythms of nature help restore perspective. Here, peace is not an abstraction but something real and present. With gratitude for this cherished space and the community that supports it, we hope you’ll take a moment this week to visit, slow your pace, and enjoy the calm the park so reliably provides.

Meloney McMurry

Executive Director, Friends of Stewart Park

Congressman Josh Riley Visits

Thank you to Congressman Josh Riley for braving the cold on Wednesday, January 28, to join Friends of Stewart Park and Wharton Studio Museum for a tour of the historic Wharton Studio Building and to learn about our plans for the adaptive reuse of the building as the Wharton Studio & Café! The Congressman’s questions, insights, and abounding enthusiasm for Stewart Park and its revitalization were greatly appreciated. Thank you to Ithaca Youth Bureau’s Director Gregg Houck and to two WSM Board Members for joining us as well! And thank you again to Congressman Riley!

Shoreline Views Restored

Big thanks to the Town of Ithaca Highway Department for tackling the overgrown vegetation along the Cayuga Lake shoreline in Stewart Park this January.

By late summer, fast-growing Amorpha (indigo bush) had grown so dense that lake views nearly disappeared. With FSP’s hand tools no longer enough to tackle the work, the Town and County stepped in with heavy equipment (a boom mower) to cut it back from the lakeside. The result? Beautiful lake views are back! Stop by the park to enjoy them!

Carousel Sponsorships

Did you know you can provide thousands of free Carousel rides while supporting Friends of Stewart Park with a tax-deductible gift?


As a Carousel Sponsor, you or your organization or business will be recognized with:

*Your name and/or logo featured on a prominent sign at the Carousel.

*Ability to table at the Carousel.

*Acknowledgements through social media such as Facebook, Instagram and the FSP newsletter.

*As many as 2,500 smiles daily from children who appreciate your gift!

Message Janelle at info@friendsofstewartpark.org to learn more!

Dashing on the Trail

Our friends at Ithaca Garden Club and the Ithaca Children’s Garden invite you to register for the FOURTH Annual Daffodil Dash on Saturday, April 25 at Cass Park! Run, walk, or stroll along the paved Cayuga Waterfront Trail course while enjoying 180,000 blooming daffodils!


Kids 12 and under have free registration, and the option to purchase a $5 event t-shirt.

Registration for all others is $25, with optional $10 event t-shirts available.


Online registration is required. Sign up at raceroster.com/events/2026/113673/daffodil-dash before April 10, 2026.

Cayuga Bird Club’s Ornithology with Steve Kress

Our friends at Cayuga Bird Club invite you to register for Spring Ornithology with Steve Kress held Tuesday evenings, 7 to 9 pm, March 24 through May 19 (no class 4/7) at Kendal at Ithaca. You can attend each class either in person OR via Zoom.


This is the 50th year Steve Kress has offered this popular course!


Dr. Kress’s presentations— enhanced with audio recordings, videos, and beautiful photos— include bird ID, song, behavior, migration, conservation, and attracting birds. Classes will be recorded for students to view or review at their convenience.


Details and registration at: www.cayugabirdclub.org/spring-ornithology

The class is suitable for beginner and seasoned birders alike. Makes a great gift for yourself or a birding friend, including people in senior care facilities with internet access.

Bird Walks with Cayuga Bird Club

Stay tuned for more information on Spring Bird Walks with our friends at Cayuga Bird Club! Dates are not finalized yet, but plans are underway for free Saturday morning walks in April, May and June!

If you appreciate the work that Friends of Stewart Park does, please consider a year-end gift. Your donations help keep our organization running so we can continue to write grants, mobilize volunteers, advocate for the park and plan for its future.