PARKS PERSPECTIVES March –April 2012 — Issue #4

SYRATHON SERIES ADDS TWO NEW RACES, MORE CHALLENGES

Syrathon, the foot race tour of Syracuse Runners can certainly opt to pick just one parks, kicks off the 2012 season with or two of them, if they wish. Indeed, the the Tipp Hill Shamrock Run on March popular race -day prize drawings return in 10 at . 2012, with Syrathon sponsors offering such great items as footwear, restaurant A collaborative effort between the The series is participation-based, so no gift certificates and much more. Be sure to City‘s Department of Parks and Recrea- need to worry about place or finish times. visit the Syrathon booth on race day to tion, Fleet Feet Sports, The Syracuse Simply take each race at your own pace enter the free drawing! New Times, and Saucony Sports, Syra- and have fun! thon consists of now EIGHT races However, those choosing to accept the throughout the spring, summer and fall, Syrathon 2012 includes: Tipp Hill Sham- Syrathon challenge and accumulate 26.2 taking participants through a dozen rock Run with its 4-mile course; the Dunn miles over the course of the series will city neighborhoods and hundreds of Tire Mountain Goat Run ―the granddaddy receive a Syrathon Technical Race Shirt acres of parks. of them all, with a 10-mile course; Paige‘s and finisher medallion! To register for the Butterfly Run, a 5K or 3.1 mile race; the challenge, visit the Syrathon Page on our The total for all these races is now just Inner Harbor 5K, again 5K or 3.1 miles; Parks website, visit the Syrathon booth on over 42 miles, bringing about a new chal- the Strathmore Parks Run at 4 miles; and race day, or stop by Fleet Feet. lenge for 2012 — for participants to com- the 5-mile Eastwood Park-to-Park Autumn plete their own, personal marathon by ac- Run. New to the Syrathon series is the Registration for the challenge will be ac- cumulating 26.2 miles over the course of Valley neighborhood‘s Nature In the City cepted through June 2 (Paige‘s Butterfly the series. 4-mile Run to be held in August, and A Run). Run For Their Life, which highlights The goal of the Syrathon is to encour- and the Connective Corri- The Tipp Hill Shamrock age healthful physical activity through- dor, and includes both a 5K and 15K dis- Run — March 10 out the year while promoting the sights tance. Right from the blast of and sounds of city life, according to the starter‘s gun at the Chris Abbott, director of youth recrea- Each run is a separate event, run by differ- first Shamrock Run in tion for the City Parks Department and ent organizing committees, with its own 2006, this particular one of the driving forces of the pro- flavor, and benefitting different organiza- gram. tions. (continued on page 5)

CONTENTS CITY HONORED BY RECREATION & PARKS SOCIETIES Youth Recreation Updates; Summer Camp Information — Page 2 The City of Syracuse is being recognized ety (NYSRPS) and three were selected for by the local and state Recreation and Parks state honors in the categories of Volunteer- What They Did Societies this spring with several awards. ism and two in the Publications categories. on Their Midwinter Break — Page 3 The Recreation and The CNYRPS, which includes officials Parks Society (CNYRPS) will award the from parks departments throughout the New Feature — ―In Their Own Words‖ — Page 4 City for Outstanding Facility, Volunteer- region and the state, recognize employees ism, Publications/Promotional Brochures; and individuals that have distinguished Youth Advisory Board — page 4 and Publications/Special Publications and themselves in the field of recreation; out- Employee Spotlight — Page 6 Marketing. standing facilities, programs and promo- tional initiatives. Egg Hunt; Big Rig Day Info — Page 7 These four winners were then sent to the New York State Recreation and Park Soci- (continued on Page 6) Healthy Cooking — Page 7

www.syracuse.ny.us/parks 412 Spencer St., Syracuse, NY 13204 — (315) 473-4330 Stephanie A. Miner, Mayor Baye Muhammad, Commissioner John D. Walsh, Deputy Commissioner SPRING IS BLOOMING WITH PLENTY OF SPORTS CLINICS AND LEAGUES

mended 60 minutes of exer- cise in a safe environment. Little Laxers Lacrosse Clinics with the The program will be held at two sites: Ed Schiller Park: 11 a.m. on Friday April Ultimate Goal on Saturdays, March 31 to Smith School on Tuesdays and Thursdays 13 April 28 at Burnet Park. From 9 a.m. to from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and at the South- Kirk Park: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday 10:15 a.m. for ages 4-12. $35 includes all 5 west Community Center on Mondays and May 4 sessions. Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30p.m. For more information, contact Chris Ab- Other sites to be announced!

bott is: [email protected]. Shooting For A‘s. Free program for girls A.C.T.I.O.N. Basketball League: Regis- age 10-13. Join SU student athletes for Tennis Lessons with USTA coaches: on Fridays, from April 20 to May 18 at Barry tration Night is Thursday May 31 at 6 p.m. educational and sport activities on Thurs- at the Magnarelli Center at McChesney days in April at the Carmelo Anthony Cen- Park. The lessons will run from 3:30 to Park. ter at Manley from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. $20 includes all sessions. Registration required! Summer League Open Divisions for youth ages 11-12 and 13-15. Aquafina Pitch, Hit and Run Competi-

FIT Kids After School Fitness program: tions. Free baseball skills competition. Free!!! Certified instructors lead sessions Winners of the local events can advance to designed to help children gain the recom- regional and national competitions! Regis- ter for one of the following:

SUMMER CAMP, SWIM REGISTRATION BEGINS APRIL 1ST — NO FOOLING!

April 1st may be April Fool‘s Day, but it‘s Forms are available on the website, and at no joke — registration for summer camps the City Parks Main Office and Commu- and swim lessons start that day for city nity Centers. residents. Some dates (subject to change): Check the department‘s website — June 25: Animal Camp; Craft Camp www.syracuse.ny.us/parks — for a full listing of sport and educational camps, plus July 9: Soccer; Fire/Police leagues and swim lessons! Also, a full July 16: Basketball; MOST Science; print brochure will be out in April. Keep Tennis active this summer, both in body and mind, with Syracuse Parks and Recreation! July 23: Track, Tennis, ESF I Camp Fees for city residents are $40-full July 30: Multi Sport; ESF II; Tennis day camps / $25 half-day. August 6: Robotics, Tennis, MOST II Soccer Camp FOCUSING ON ‗CUSE‘S KIDS DURING WINTER BREAK

Wilson Park Partners with SU language classes in French and Korean, Wilson Park director Barbara Grimes and While school was out during February Photography, and the ever popular ―CSI her staff also worked incredibly hard in Recess, the learning, and the fun, contin- Wilson Park‖…a fun exploration of fo- collaboration with Walker and the stu- ued at Wilson Park, thanks to the efforts rensic science. dents to coordinate activities and ensure another highly successful ‗Cuse Spot! At of professor Mi- chelle Walker and more than 30 of her the end of the week, children were able to Nearly 50 youth from Wilson Park and display their projects and newfound students from SU‘s Maxwell School. other community centers took part in the knowledge during a celebratory Ice nd The 2 Annual ‗Cuse Spot at Wilson week long program! Under the guidance Cream Social. The ―Cuse Spot at Wilson Park featured nearly a dozen educational of Walker, students worked tirelessly to Park is a prime example of the generosity and activity sessions throughout the vaca- create lesson plans and prepare registra- and community spirit continuously on tion week, ranging from Cooking Class, tion and session materials, before then display by our friends on the University Ice Skating, Jewelry Making, and Fash- leading each of the sessions. Hill. Great thanks to all participants for a ion Design, to Computer Technology, fantastic week.

CENTERS‘ CREATIVITY SNOWBALLS AT ANNUAL WINTERTIME CONVENTION

Ok, so the snowmen may not have been made of actual snow. But, as part of the Sun- nycrest Park Association‘s annual Snowman Convention, city youth were able to let their creative and artistic juices flow while developing snowman projects from anything but the cold, white stuff!

Thanks to Mike Benhke and lage, to the ―coolest‖ fan. George Mathews of SPA and The annual event provides another won- The Great Snowman Conven- derful way to celebrate winter in Syracuse! tion, City Parks after school programs were invited, along While the winter of 2011-2012 may be with youth from schools across the city, to remembered for its lack of snow and mild be part of this uniquely Syracuse event. temperatures, local weather conditions did Armed with a donated$20 gift card to not stop Parks After School programs from Michaels Craft Store, and unlimited crea- creating some incredible snowmen master- tivity, each center worked for several days pieces! on the projects, with themes ranging from a winter wonderland, to a snowman vil- In Their Own Words

Pool Patrons Find Fun, Friendship, Fitness

Some patrons of the Parks Department’s From Dawn Kotary Southwest Pool and the Water Exercise About Southwest Class held there recently shared their Pool: Have had a thoughts on the facility and the staff. wonderful experi- At right, instructor Ali Prettyman in- ence with all life- structs the Water Exercise Class. guards there. Very polite and helpful all

the time. It‘s a very From JoAnn Williams good place to enjoy The Dept. of Parks and Rec. provided us and relax. with a treasure in the person of Ali Pretty- About Southwest Pool: The water is al- ways a perfect temperature! The life- man. His constant quest for expertise in guards are very professional. It‘s a great About the Water Exercise Program with his field benefits all who take his classes. place to bring your family. Ali Prettyman Every class contains an internal plan that is clearly the result of careful planning. He Number One Person in my life that helped has a remarkable ability to provide for me throw away my cane for walking. It‘s About Water Exercise with Ali Prettyman: individual needs within the context of the been a great experience to have met Ali The best water program ever! I am super- class. It is obvious he approaches the task through Southwest swimming pool. I just charged when I leave Ali‘s class! The of teaching these classes with complete think he‘s wonderful. class allows you to exercise every muscle dedication; his attire, choice of music, and joint in your body all at the same time, equipment and the seriousness of purpose as well as develop cardio fitness. We are all attest to his professionalism. People moving non-stop for 45 minutes with an From Mary Bundy and Alice Gorman attend these classes with joy and enthusi- outstanding instructor. . . .Go Ali! asm. This pool remains our favorite facility!

Ann Hickey‘s management has been im- pressive and provides strong mentorship to From Dianne Gray-Bell From Sharon Topp her staff. There is a high standard for cleanliness and safety. The pool provides I enjoy my classes with Mr. Ali. Each Hi! Today is Mardi Gras – and tomorrow an opportunity for a diverse group of peo- class is energetic and full of cardio and Lent begins. For me, it means that I will ple to stay fit in an extraordinarily wel- work all parts of the body the entire 45 ask God‘s guidance and help with my food coming environment. Friendships started minutes. Each class is different, with wa- choices, to commit to swimming 4 times a between and among people who would ter equipment to work the upper and lower week and to grow as a Christian. I truly never have gotten to meet in any other body parts. I get the tone in my body from appreciate all your support and enjoy see- context. Locker-room conversation is weight loss. This is a good thing, and I ing you every week. You are the bright always positive and appreciative of having like that. spot in my day. this facility available. God bless you! Parks Department Seeking Members To Establish New Youth Advisory Board

The Syracuse Parks Department is looking Those involved in the program will assist If you are interested in getting involved – for Syracuse residents, between the ages of in planning, promoting and implementing or know someone who is – please visit the 14 and 19, who are interested in being a youth programs and services; planning and Parks Department‘s website at member of the Youth Advisory Board. participating in community service activi- www.syracuse.ny.us/parks to fill out and is charged with the mission of identifying ties; in fostering a greater involvement in submit an application or call the Depart- youth‘s needs and to advise the Depart- municipal government; in hosting youth ment‘s main office at 473-4330 for more ment on strategies for promoting the forums and conferences and acting as an information. growth, the development and the well- advocate for youth and teens. being of youth in this community. Syrathon Series Gears Up For Another Season, Adds Two More Races event has experienced tremendous suc- Center of Children‘s Cancer and Blood neighborhood before heading to the cess, as thousands of runners, anxious to Disorders at Golisano Children‘s Hos- Woodlawn Reservoir, which offers get outdoors after a long Central New pital some of the most beautiful views of the York winter, line up on Coleridge Avenue Website: www.paigesbutterflyrun.org city‘s skyline. to begin the four-mile course through Website: Burnet Park and past some of the land- marks of , including of Valley Nature in the A Run for course, the famous ―green-on-top‖ traffic City Run Their Life light. Music from local bands along the Aug. 11 Oct. 14 route provides motivation. This 4 mile run bene- This event benefits the Carol M Bald- Website: www.tipphillrun.com fitting the Meachem win Breast Cancer Research Fund and Area Park Associa- includes a 5k walk and run through The Dunn Tire tion begins at Thornden Park and a 15k run that Mountain Goat Run Meachem Field and goes through val- highlights both the Park, Syracuse May 5 ley neighborhoods and parks. Included University, and the Connective Corri- Starting and ending at is a unique one mile stretch of trails dor! downtown‘s Clinton through an urban forest Website: Square, this 10-mile known as the Rand www.cmbarunfortheirlife.com road race takes runners through nearly Tract. every neighborhood of the city – from www.strathmoreneighborhood.com the Near West Side through Onondaga The Inner Harbor 5K Park and the South Side, up into the Aug. 26 University area and Thornden Park, This run, usually held Eastwood Park- and back through the east side before in late August, begins to-Park Autumn returning downtown. The real chal- from the Inner Harbor and winds Run through LeavenworthPark and the lenge – as if the 10 miles in and of Oct. 28 isn‘t enough – are the steep terrain Creekwalk. Proceeds benefit the Inner The 5-mile run be- around the Woodlawn Reservoir and Wealth Initiative, a collaborative & in Thornden Park. grassroots movement intended to en- gins and ends at Website: hance the mental health and wellness Sunnycrest Park, and the course www.mountaingoatrun.com. of children brings runners through the tree- Website: www.innerwealth.org lined streets of Eastwood. The website Paige‘s Butterfly Run Strathmore Parks www.eastwoodneighbor.com will June 2 Run – Onondaga have updates on this event. The 5K (3.1-mile) be- Park gins near Clinton Sept. 23 Square, and connects This 4-mile run, usu- For more information on Syrathon, through the Leavenworth Park ally held in September, starts and ends check out neighborhood; the Inner Harbor and in Onondaga Park, and the course takes www.syracuse.ny.us/parks or the Creekwalk. The race benefits the runners through the historic Strathmore www.fleetfeetsyracuse.com.

PARKS POSTS

NEW SIGNAGE ON CREEKWALK ANGLERS ASSOC. SELLS planters at Webster Pond, on Valley Drive. New signage has been installed along the MEMORIAL BRICK S FOR POND The monies raised will enable the mem- bers of the Association to continue mainte- Creek-walk to assist those using the walk The Anglers Association of Onondaga at nance and upkeep efforts at the Pond as should an emergency situation arise. Webster Pond continues to offer personal- well as take on new projects. If an urgent situation occurs, people need ized bricks for sale. Each brick is $100, to call 9-1-1 and give them the zone noted and can be a unique way to honor a loved For more information on the program and to download an order form, visit on the sign. one or commemorate a special event, for example. The bricks will be used to create www.websterpond.org. EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT — DOG CONTROL OFFICER BARB KEMPF

Dog may be man's best friend, Of course, Barb has pets, a Siberian Husky but Syracuse Dog Control Officer Barb named Thor and a ferret named Bandit. Kempf might just be a dog's best friend. She credits Thor with saving her husband's life. Thor had been acting more attentive Having held this job for 31 years, Barb has toward her husband, Ed, than it had in the made some remarkable rescues and has past, For example, Thor had always slept helped to reunite many pets with their on Barb's side of the room until one night owners, one of the most rewarding aspects when it moved to Ed's side of the bed. It of her work, she noted. continued to stare at Ed during the night, She recounts the day when two women in and at one point, even laid its head on his the Eastwood area had come across a lost chest. Ed had been experiencing some shih tzu mix. Barb simply took the ani- problems with the medicines he had been mal‘s leash and gently repeated to the dog, stuck in a sewer. A construction worker taking for a medical condition. He was had been on his lunch break and became ―Take me home. Take me home.‖ supposed to see his physician but hadn‘t. aware of the dog. Barb was dispatched to Barb was convinced that Thor sensed And to Barb‘s surprise the dog did. the scene. She called for assistance from something was wrong with Ed and per- Successful with this method once, she used the Department of Public Works to help suaded her husband to follow up with his it again in bringing a dog back home in the lift the sewer grate up; she found a ladder doctor. Sure enough, he was diagnosed Westcott neighborhood. climbed down into the sewer, retrieved the with pre-cancer in the esophagus — about dog and carried it back up the ladder. the same area that Thor had rested its head, She enjoys the time she spends with the dogs and their owners. Barb pointed out. An animal lover at heart, Barb graduated ―That‘s why I‘m still here,‖ she said. ―It‘s Ed has been receiving treatments and from SUNY Canton, earning a degree in most of the tumor is gone. just so rewarding.‖ animal husbandry. She worked at the

She tells the story of one poor little pup SPCA and at the Humane Society and had a number of internships with veterinarians. Syracuse Recognized by CNY and NYS Recreation and Park Societies

(continued from Page 1) able transformations that have happened The ―Historic Down- over the past 25 years – Armory town Syracuse, NY Walking Tour‖ bro- guished themselves in the field of recrea- Square, the Syracuse University Ware- chure was chosen as the tion; outstanding facilities, programs and house; Washington Street Station, the winner in the Publica- promotional initiatives. home of O‘Brien and Gere; the Franklin Square area; past the Syracuse Parks tions/Promotional Bro- The Onon- Dept.‘s main offices and through the Inner chures category. This daga Harbor. booklet, published by the Downtown Creek- Syracuse, Inc., chronicles The Volunteerism Committee of walk, through drawings, photos and text, many which links Award went to Chris of the historical and refurbished landmarks downtown O‘Brien, who has in and the roles they Syracuse to worked many of the play in the ongoing development of down- the Inner special events over the town. By following the map in the center Harbor, past seven years and of the publication, users can follow along. won as Outstanding Facility. The 2.6-mile was featured in this A must-have piece for any history buff. walkway takes visitors along Onondaga newsletter a few Creek from the bustling months ago. Born and ―Parks Perspectives,‖ this electronic news- neighborhood to the end of the Barge Ca- raised in Fairmount, letter, was selected as the winner in the nal, adjacent to the Carousel Center. Chris lives with her Publications/Special Publication and Mar- While on the Creekwalk, visitors will get husband, Mike, on Tipperary Hill. keting category. an opportunity to see some of the remark- AN EGG-TRA HEALTHY COOKING SPECIAL EASTER EVENT The annual Easter Egg Hunt for children two to 10 years of age, will take place on Sat., March Monthly Recipe, contributed by Cornell Cooperative Exten- 31, at Burnet Park, beginning at sion of Onondaga County. CCE brings award winning nutri- 11 a.m. Pre-registration is re- tion education programs to City youth and families throughout quired; and requests for free the school year! City Parks is a proud partner! Enjoy! tickets are currently being taken. The Hunt is open to the first GOOD MORNING MUFFINS 500 children to pre-register. to 10 years of age will start at 1 cup whole wheat flour The Hunt will be broken up about 11:30 a.m. 1 cup all-purpose flour into different age groups, with In each Hunt will be an egg the youngsters in each group 2 teaspoons baking soda with a special chip marked ―95‖ getting a specified amount of 2 teaspoons cinnamon inside (in honor of the Parks‘ time to find and gather as many Department‘s 95th anniversary ½ teaspoon salt eggs as they can. this year.). Those who find that 1 cup packed brown sugar The eggs are redeemed for egg are registered in a raffle to 3 medium or large eggs prizes, according to how many win a special prize. eggs are collected. 2 medium apples washed, cored, and chopped To pre-register, please call the City residents can pre-register Special Events Division at 473- 1 ½ cups finely shredded carrots now; non-city residents can 4330, ext. 3006 or 3007; or ½ cup raisins begin registering their children email your request, including 1 cup juice packed crushed pineapple including juice on March 12. the ages of your children, and ½ cup applesauce The younger children, ages 2-4 address where tickets can be years old, will begin the Hunt at mailed. You can email Britney 1/3 cup oil 11 a.m.; those 5 to 7 years of Farmer at ½ teaspoon vanilla extract [email protected]. age will follow at approxi- Preheat oven to 375°F mately 11:15 a.m.; and those 8 Line 24 2-1/2 inch muffin cups with paper bake cups; or spray REV UP YOUR with vegetable spray, set aside. In a large bowl combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt; ENGINES FOR BIG stir in brown sugar. Stir in apples, carrots, and raisins. RIG DAY In a medium bowl combine un-drained pineapple, applesauce, Kids – rev up and join us for oil, eggs, and vanilla. Add pineapple mixture to flour mixture; stir the annual Big Rig Day event just until moistened. at Burnet Park. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups. Bake in a 375°F oven On Sat., April 28, from 11 for about 18 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in a.m. to 3 p.m., children and centers comes out clean. their families will have the Cool in muffin cups on wire rack opportunity to get a close-up for 5 minutes. Remove from muf- view of some of the city‘s big fin cups and serve warm trucks, including fire engines, snow plows, payloaders, and dump trucks – along with some big Nutritional Information, per muf- fin: 110 calories; 4g total fat (0g rigs from area companies. The youngsters can climb in and sat or trans!); 18g Carb (9g around the vehicles, even get behind the wheel. sugar); 2g fiber; 2g pro-tein; There will also be activities for the kids and refreshments will be 120mg salt) available for sale. Free admission and no pre-registration or tickets are required.