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| Summer has arrived in Stewart Park, bringing the return of beloved seasonal traditions: from picnics on the waterfront to free turns on the carousel, exploring the Waterfront Trail, or attending a community event--there are countless opportunities to enjoy one of Ithaca’s most treasured public spaces.
These busy days in the park also remind us of all the ways that Stewart Park depends on the dedication and support of our Ithaca community. Whether it's volunteers opening up scenic views on the trail, partners donating books for Elayne’s Lending Library, or sponsors supporting free carousel rides, every contribution helps make the park a more welcoming and vibrant place.
Please take a few minutes to explore the updates and events below, mark your calendars for upcoming programs, and find a way to join us in the park this summer!!
Meloney McMurry Executive Director Friends of Stewart Park |
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Free Carousel Days continue this summer! Thank you to these generous individuals, organizations, and businesses for their sponsorship support! If you’d like to sponsor the carousel this summer, visit our sponsorship page. |
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Free Bird Walk Saturday, June 6 |
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FSP invites you to join Cayuga Bird Club leaders for their final guided bird walk of the spring in Stewart Park on Saturday, June 6th. April and May’s walks were a big success, so do try to catch this final one! Bring your binoculars, dress for the weather, and meet by the osprey nest in the far northeast corner of the park for a fun family-friendly time.
Help spread the word: like and share the event on Facebook! |
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Special thanks to Paula Loskamp, Jorj Buckholz and Alex Farrel for their volunteer efforts last Friday May 29, opening up some views along the Waterfront Trail between the Farmers Market Trailhead and Crew Cove Overlook. We will be working in Cass Park next Friday, June 12th from 12 - 1pm trimming the vegetation along the water edge to open up views of the water from the trail. Like and share the event on Facebook. |
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Elayne’s Lending Library Update |
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Elayne's Lending Library in Stewart Park is repaired and ready for a summer full of books! Our incredible volunteer librarian, Rebekah, is preparing over 900 books we picked up at the Friends of the Library book sale to share all summer long! We are so grateful to Friends of the Library for generously donating books to local non-profits so we can share these great reads with our park community! Thanks also to the Cascadilla Boat Club LTD rowers who unloaded the books! |
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Save the Date: Park Tour July 25 |
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We invite you to a tour of historic Stewart Park hosted by Historic Ithaca, Friends of Stewart Park, and Wharton Studio Museum. The guided walking tour will focus on the park's history and its current revitalization. The tour goes throughout the park, so please be sure to wear proper footwear and bring a water bottle. Meet on the Waterfront Trail in front of the Picnic “Large” Pavilion. |
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Updates and Events From FSP Friends and Partners |
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| Playdate in the Park is a free event celebrating children and families! Mark your calendars for June 3rd with activities and snacks from 4-7pm. Free carousel rides all day! Sponsored by Child Development Council. |
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| Our friends at Cascadilla Boat Club invite you to their National Learn to Row Day event! Saturday, June 6, between 10am and 2pm at the Cascadilla Boathouse. |
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| Join our partner Wharton Studio Museum for Quiet on the Set! Youth Silent Film Festival's Screening & Awards Ceremony on Sunday, June 7, at 2pm at Cinemapolis in downtown Ithaca!
All submitted films will be screened followed by an awards ceremony. This event is free cinematic fun and family-friendly! MORE INFO |
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| Help pollinators thrive in Tompkins County! The Tompkins Pollinator Pathway, a volunteer group promoting native plants and pollinator-friendly practices, is inviting you to share your thoughts in a quick survey (under 10 minutes!) about native plants and pollinators. Your input will help shape future community outreach and make an even bigger impact locally. |
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As a thank-you, you can opt into a drawing for a $25 voucher to Grow Wild! Native Plant Nursery. They’d love to hear from you. Every response makes a difference! Survey closes at the end of June. Click Here to Take the Survey |
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| Ever wanted to climb a tree like a pro? Now’s your chance! Join the Outings Program and Cornell Outdoor Education for Tree Fest on June 20 at Stewart Park (11 AM – 6 PM) - happening right alongside the NY State Arborists Tree Climbing Championship! |
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Try recreational tree climbing in a safe, supported, and super fun environment while watching world-class arborists compete in Stewart Park! Open to ALL ages | 1-hour climbing sessions throughout the day $12 pre-registration | $15 at the door | Walk-ups welcome, but space is limited! |
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| Ithaca Reggae Fest is returning to picturesque Stewart Park in Ithaca, NY June 26-28, 2026! Reggae Fest is dedicated to the protection of Cayuga Lake through a family-friendly conscious celebration of Ithaca’s legendary reggae community and its history. IthacaReggaeFest.com |
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| Save the date for Friends of Stewart Park and Wharton Studio Museum’s 11th annual fundraiser, Party for the ParkThis year’s party will be a cocktail party on Saturday, September 26th from 5:30-7:30pm. Looking forward to seeing you there! |
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