PARKS PERSPECTIVES January-February 2012 — Issue #3

Let Parks and Recreation help with some of your new year‟s resolutions

With the new year comes renewed promises of getting fit, exercising more and eating better.

The Syracuse Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs can help with some of these resolutions with a variety of activities, facilities and fitness programs, whether you prefer working out by yourself, with your family or with a group.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES For those 55 years of age or more, the Magnarelli Center at McChesney Park on the city’s northside has something every weekday, from to yoga. Even pickleball!

There is walking every weekday morning; weight training on Monday and Wednesday mornings; yoga on Tuesday and Thurs- day mornings; strength resistance and training on Tuesday mornings; body toning on Thursday mornings; basketball on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons; badminton on Tuesday after- noons; ping pong on Wednesdays; on Monday afternoons and Fri- day mornings; and pickleball on Thursday and Friday afternoons. (Information forms must be filled out at the Center and updated annually in April.)

But what is pickleball, you may ask? According to the U.S. A. Pickleball Association, it is the fastest growing sport in North America. It is played on a court with a net that is 34 inches at the center with solid wood or com- posite paddles and a wiffle ball and its rules are very similar to badminton. It was developed in the mid-1960s by Joel Pritchard and some friends, and it was named for Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, who kept running off with the ball . Top photo: Volleyball at the Magnarelli Community Center at McChes- ney Park; bottom photo: pickleball at the Center CONTENTS The Cecile Center in the Valley section of the city has a variety of senior fitness programs, FOCUS ON FITNESS covering a range of abilities. Senior Programs — page 1 Creekwalk, Pools — page 4 On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, there is a series of strength training, with weights and balance on Mondays; an aerobics to music class and then a weights session on Wednesdays, and Fitness for Kids & Families — page 5 chair exercises and weights on Fridays. Healthy Cooking Recipe — page 5 On Tuesdays, there are two simple chair exercise segments, and a line dance class on Tuesdays Employee Spotlight — page 2 from 9 to 11 a.m., with all kinds of music featured. Volunteer Spotlight — page 3 Park Posts — page 3 (more on page 4)

Roundball Recap — page 6

Skiddy Park Update — page 6 PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE BEGINNING ANY EXERCISE REGIMEN.

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 Plants are not the only things that have John pointed out trays and trays of seeds JOHN BIALY grown in the city’s Greenhouse on Onondaga lined up in the growing area of the Green- Avenue, adjacent to Lower Onondaga Park. house. Underneath the trays are heating sheets that provide a more consistent tem- So has gardener John Bialy. perature to promote growing. The crew

hand waters all the plants, which, John ex- John started full-time with the Parks Dept. in plained, allows them more control, since the plants all differ in how much water they need. the Greenhouse in 1978, but he worked for seven summers prior, and he says that he’d been going there since he was about seven or John had training in computer technology, eight years old — spending time with his but he admits that he found that to be little

uncle, Ben Kuppel, who had overseen the uninteresting. Yet, he applied his technologi- greenhouse operations for decades. cal know-how to his work at the Green- house, creating various databases on soil

Today, John and the rest of the crew spend mixtures; watering patterns; and growing their spring, summer and fall months planting conditions for certain plants, in order to determine which species and varieties fared and tending to tens of thousands of flowers and shrubs in nearly every pocket of the city better than others. – the beds and planters downtown and in city Over the years, John has seen the demand parks and traffic medians, for example. for plants and flowers throughout the city John estimated that they put out an estimated grow, but so have the partnerships, he said. 80,000 plants by July 4th in about 400 areas Gardener John Bialy waters plants in the and planter pots. He is pleased to see that more and more neighborhood associations are helping in the Greenhouse. There is approximately plantings, which cultivates a greater interest 15,000 to 16,000 square feet of usable But that doesn't mean the crew is dormant space in the facility, including the growing during the winter months. and pride in the green spaces areas and helps to stem vandalism. area and the Atrium.

DIANE HUNT reciprocated. Diane has worked at all the department’s centers, and during that time,

with her calming and nurturing demeanor and On a weekday afternoon, at the Westmore- big smile, she has developed relationships land Center on the city’s east side, at least a dozen youngsters are there, playing with the with many of the young people. recreation aides and one another, watching television, and painting pictures. Some of the older kids will return with gifts on Mother’s Day or during the Christmas In the middle of it all is Diane Hunt, director season, and she admits that she is finding of the center, situated on Westmoreland herself tending to the youngsters of kids who Avenue, at Erie Boulevard East. She is well- had been at the centers a generation ago. suited for the job of working with young When not at the center or taking children on people, since she’s the oldest of seven, and a field trip, Diane can also be found working has raised three sons and is grandmother to at various special events during the year, and seven. has become a ―regular‖ at the Festival of Lights’ North Pole, in charge of the holiday treats. I love the kids, she says.

Top right: Diane poses with some of the It’s a statement that has formed the founda- tion of her 20-year career with the Parks youngsters at the Westmoreland Center, from Department. left, Iyana Phillip, Ajerei Diaz, and Jakia How- ard. Bottom right: Diane and Joelle Dough- erty work at the recent Festival of Lights event And it’s apparent that her love for the kids is at . Neighborhood Tree Plantings A Success

This year the Parks Department oversaw three container trees were planted by Onondaga large tree planting projects all supported Community College students in celebration of through Onondaga County’s Save The Rain OCCs 50th year in existence. Program – a federally mandated effort to limit stormwater pollution to At Union and Demong Parks and Schiller Park, and its tributaries using green infrastructure 104 bare-root trees were planted by over 80 (in this case trees). volunteers, including two busloads of ESF stu- dents, a caravan of students from SUNY Mor- Over 70 trees were planted in the risville and the Onondaga Earth Corps. There Neighborhood this spring and fall after a long are no better labor force for tree planting and disruptive sewer separation project dug up than these groups! every road and sidewalk on Hartson, Herri- Andrew Maxwell, Katelyn Wright and Greg Michel, man, Hoefler, and Lydell Streets. Residents The Parks Department would like to especially (all from the Department of Planning and Sustain- had an opportunity to pick from a choice of thank Cornell Cooperative Extension for their ability) demonstrate their commitment to sustain- species. work in planning and training volunteers and ability by planting a tree at Schiller Park.. City – county arborist Steve Harris (in the red vest) over- to the Schiller Park Association for refresh- sees the crew. In the Court Woodlawn Neighborhood, 59 ments.

PARKS POSTS

SOME “COOL” EVENTS AT a..m. to 1:30 p.m., admission is $1.50 or $2.50 York, such as the Festival of Lights at Burnet admission with a skate rental. Excludes Park, the Breakfast with Santa, and a holiday WINTERFEST — will school vacations. party at the Westmoreland Center. Special be the center of Syracuse Winterfest from thanks to: Price Chopper, Friehofer’s, C&S Feb. 15 through Feb. 26. Check out this Companies, Byrne Dairy, Deli-Boy, Ancient year’s ice creation at . For all THEME NIGHTS — Coming soon — the Theme Nights at Clinton Square Ice Rink on Order of Hibernians, Pensabene’s Casa the updated info on Winterfest events — the Grande, Keller Williams Realty, Sue Brewer, cook-offs, mix-offs, ice sculptures and more, various Saturday evenings, with special admis- sion prices. Stay tuned for more info. Daniel Case, Nikki Cawley, Richie Collins, check out syracusewinterfest.com. Joelle Dougherty, Britney Farmer, Jenna BATTER‟S UP — Softball registration for Godlewski, Kathleen Gratien, Diane Hunt,, Barb Kempf, Mike & Chris O’Brien, Brendan WHAT‟S COOKING AT THORNDEN? returning teams will be at Meachem Rink on Sammon, Dan Macko, Seamus Barry and Matt Members of the Thornden Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Returning and/or new teams can Koziol. Park Association will be cook- ing up some fun and tasty chili register on March 24th from 10 recipes at the Park’s Fieldhouse a.m. to 12 noon at Meachem Rink. Registration fee is $375, and includes a $110- AWARDS — The Parks Dept. was recently on Feb. 18th, from 12 noon to refundable performance bond. For more awarded the 2011 Outstanding Cooperator 4 p.m. in this annual event. Proceeds from the information, call Joelle Dougherty at 473- Award from the Cornell University Coopera- event support the Association’s work in the 4330, ext 3002. tive Extension for the support and commit- park. Check out www.thorndenpark.org for ment to the CommuniTree Steward Program, information on this event and this very active the Arbor Day Celebration and the Save the organization. Some local groups and individu- Rain Program. als partnered with the Parks LACE UP FOR LUNCH and spend your Dept. this past holiday season to CITY OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED Jan. lunch hour on ice at Clinton Square with this assist with programs and special 16 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Feb. 20 lunchtime special rates — weekdays from 11 events for families throughout Central New for President’s Day. VISIT CITY PARKS, CENTERS, AND POOLS FOR YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS TAKE A WALK, JOG, OR RUN (continued from page 1) The 2.6-mile walk stretches from the bustle The perimeter roads at Burnet, Onondaga, of downtown to the more natural surround- and Thornden Parks offer a variety of ter- ings of the Inner Harbor and Onondaga Lake. rains for walkers, joggers, runners and cy- clists. Beginning by the MOST in , the walkway meanders by the Serpent public Burnet’s roadway is fairly flat, with some art sculpture and the revitalized area by the gently sloping stretches; Onondaga Park’s Warehouse, past Na- tional Grid, through the Franklin Square perimeter is well-marked for pedestrian traf- fic and is relatively flat with one hill by the old neighborhood, and across Spencer Street to Firebarn. the Parks & Recreation Department. From For those looking for more of a challenge, there, the walk goes across Kirkpatrick Portion of the ’s main road has a few flat Street to the Inner Harbor area, crosses Creekwalk stretches and a couple of steep hills. Those underneath the Bear Street overpass, wraps around the Hiawatha Boulevard overpass and near Franklin who include the roundtops at these parks will be rewarded with some amazing vistas of the then out to Onondaga Lake. Just follow the Square, and Syracuse skyline. Creekwalk signs and the yellow line. example of Creekwalk More and more people are taking advantage signage of the Creekwalk.

CITY POOLS OFFER LAP AND PUBLIC SWIM HOURS AND WATER EXERCISE CLASSES

It may not be summer, but the city’s parks sion; and coupon books are available for $55 department still has some pools open. for 20 coupons and $125 for 50 coupons.

The Southwest Pool and Valley Pool both Water exercise programs are geared to offer adult lap and public swim at their facili- improve flexibility and muscle tone and are ties, with six 25-yard lanes and water heated offered at Southwest, Valley and Huntington to 84-86 degrees – a perfect way to take the Pools. winter chill off. Both have shallow and deep ends, wheelchair disabled accessible tiers They are open to adults 16 years of age and stairs. and older, and because they are held in the shallow end of the pools, no skills Huntington School Pool in Eastwood is open are required. The fees are $35 for city for lap swim Valley Pool also offers early – residents and $60 for non-city residents. morning lap swim from 7 to 9 a.m. Mondays Water shoes are highly recommended. through Fridays. The adult deep water aerobics also improve While the afternoon and evening lap and flexibility and muscle tone but with more public swim sessions are free; there is a impact. They are open to adults 16 years of nominal fee for the early morning lap swim- age and older. Fees are $20 for city resi- ming at Valley. The entry fee is $3 or one dents and $35 for non-city residents, and ticket; ticket books are available at the pool students are required to have an exercise for $135 for to tickets or $55 for 20 tickets. flotation belt.

Southwest Pool is located at 230 Lincoln Visit www.syracuse.ny.us/parks, click on the Avenue at Clover Street, behind the South- Divisions tab and then on the Aquatics tab west Community Center. Valley Pool is for more information on schedules of classes located behind Clary Middle School on Ami- and registration forms for the adult exercise don Drive off of West Seneca Turnpike. programs and adult and children’s swim lessons. In addition, the Max Newman Pool at Not- tingham High School offers early morning lap swim Mondays through Fridays from 6:30 to From top: Southwest Pool; Valley Pool; 7:45 a.m. in the 25-yard lap pool in the shal- Max Newman Pool at Nottingham High low section. There is a fee of $3 per ses- School.

PLENTY OF FUN AND FITNESS PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES

The Youth Recreation Division has a lot planned our website for updates and registration wellness program designed to help kids burn information. Activities to include: energy while improving fitness levels and for youth and families to enjoy. . learning about healthy nutrition. Led by certified fitness instructors. Spring Session Winter Adventure — Feb. 21, 2012 — a full t Teen Programs at Hamilton Street day of adventure at Orneda Springs — $35 scheduled to begin Feb. 27 . and Shonnard Street Boys and Girls Clubs will resume following the holiday Skiing /Snowboarding at Song — Feb. 22, E-mail [email protected] for more break. Free drop-in recreation for teens. 2012 — 11a.mm to 4 p.m. $25 for lift ticket information. Shonnard: Monday-Friday 6pm-9pm. Hamil- and rental / $15 for lift ticket only. ton Street: Monday-Thursday 6pm-9pm.

Must show ID. X-C Skiing at Sunnycrest — we’ll be Also, Cross Country Skiing, Tubing, Ice Skat- ready when winter arrives! Trails open daily ing and more! as conditions permit. Ski Lodge at Sunny- Instructional Ski Nights at Song Moun- crest will be open on weekends and during tain– January 24, February 8. Departs after „Cuse Spot at Wilson Park — Feb. 21 – the school break, for rentals and warmth! school. Great opportunity to try downhill 10am-5pm. $5 for adult ski rentals. skiing or snowboarding! $25 fee per trip 24. Sign up for a variety of sessions designed includes Lift Pass, Lesson, and Rental ($15- to keep the body and mind active while lift pass only). Registration limited! school is out! Past lessons have included Snowshoe Clinics at Sunnycrest — cooking, art, poetry, dance, karate, digital DJ, with Fleet Feet Syracuse. Scheduled for chess, and more! Have an Active Winter Break... Stay Saturdays, January 21, 28, February 4, and active outdoors when school’s out. Check 11. 8 a.m. Free. Give it a try! Call for FIT Kids Program— Free, after school more information!

Annual Family Night at Magnarelli Center is a Fit Hit

Held as the culminating event of the FIT Thanks to POMCO, all participants walked Kids program, the 2nd annual Family Night away with a new soccer ball! invited program youth, along with family members, to the Magnarelli Center on Dec. Active games with fitness trainers; cooking with 8, for games, healthy cooking classes, stun- Cornell Cooperative Extension; Kung Fu demo ning demonstrations and more! with S. Bey; Dance performance with Young &Talented; door prizes. The event kicked off, literally, with a Syra- cuse Silver Knights Soccer Clinic.

Our friends at Cornell Cooperative Extension will be providing recipes for tasty and nutritional dishes on a regular basis.

Kale Kielbasa Soup Kale, packed with vitamin A and C, gives this soup a real nutrition boost. It may not be as familiar as spinach, but it’s an equally good choice.

Ingredients 4 cups chicken broth 2 tsp vegetable oil 1 cup potato — washed, peeled and diced 1/4 tsp salt 1 cup carrot — washed, peeled and diced 1/8 tsp pepper 1/2 cup onion, chopped 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper 1 clove garlic, minced 2 cups chopped Kale (or 1/2 kale and 1/2 spinach) 1 cup kielbasa sausage, diced into bite-sized pieces fully cooked (or substitute cooked ham)

Wash kale leaves thoroughly. Center stalk of cylinder and cut into thin strips. Heat oil in kielbasa to soup. Continue cooking 5 minutes. kale is tough. Fold leaves in half to remove large pot (med heat) salt, pepper, cayenne. Yields: 5 1-cup servings. Per serving: Calories: stalk, then roll into tight cylinder and cut into Cover and bring to boil. Add potatoes and 120; Total Fat: 6g (Sat. Fat: 1.5g; Trans: 0); So- thin strips. Heat old in large pot (medium carrots; cover and return to boil. Uncover and dium: 420 mg; Total Carb: 12g (Fiber: 2g; Sugars: heat). Add onions and garlic and sauté for 3-5 simmer 10-15 minutes. (add a little water if 2g); Protein: 4g; Vit A: 80% PDV; Vit C: 50% PDV minutes. Add broth; for then roll into tight soup cooks down too much) Add kale and Henninger Crowned 2011 Mayor‟s Roundball Champs

Photos by Rocco Carbone; story by Chris Abbott

For the eighth time in its 10 year history, of Technology and Faith Heritage Academy. Pat’s vision and leadership as Parks Commis- Henninger High School’s Black Knights were Tech won 58-44. sioner helped create and nurture countless crowned Champions of the City’s Mayors Rof opportunities for young people to engage in Technology and Faith Heritage Academy. Earning All-Tournament honors for the 2011 safe, positive leisure-time pursuits in the City. Tech won 58-44. Classic were Henry Sullivan (Corcoran), Wilquan Burke (Fowler), Tyquan Rolon For a decade, the Mayor’s Roundball has Coach Erik Saroney and the Black Knights (Nottingham), Mikell Clemons (Tech), and showcased the athletic abilities of student hoisted the Roundball Trophy following a 65- Kavon Delee (Henninger). athletes in the city and the dedication and 41 victory over a tough Corcoran High commitment of City School coaches, adminis- School team in the Tournament Finals, held trators, and, indeed, family and fans. Near- Also on championship night, the Syracuse Dec. 29 on the campus of LeMoyne College. City School District honored two individuals capacity crowds sending positive, spirited for their contributions to SCSD athletics and cheers from all angles, just drives the point to the greater Syracuse community. home…In the Syracuse City School District, Led by Tommie Spinners’ 15 points, and ―It’s All About Pride‖. tournament MVP Marquies Young’s double- double (14 points/15 rebounds) Henninger Former Nottingham High School student and Proceeds from 10 years of the Roundball outscored Corcoran 37-20 in the second half NFL Super Bowl Champion Dorsey Levens to secure the 2011 Title. Classics have gone to support scholastic received the Roundball Alumni award for his sports programs in each of the City High achievements as a standout athlete in the Schools, in the form of dedicated funds for In the Consolation Game, Nottingham de- district, and for his ongoing commitment to athletic equipment, uniforms and other sup- feated Fowler 69 to 51. the young people of Syracuse. Receiving the th plies. To date, the tournament has raised annual ―6 Man Award‖ was former Parks more than $75,000 for the schools. Commissioner Patrick Driscoll, a ―founding And, a bonus contest held earlier in the eve- father‖ of the Mayor’s Roundball Classic. ning at LeMoyne featured Syracuse’s Institute

COMING THIS SPRING . . . IN THE NEXT ISSUE: Updates on capital improvement projects

The spring and summer heat up with activities for you, your family and friends. Any story ideas or info for calendars, please email [email protected].

Skiddy Park, on the city’s Near Westside, is undergoing a makeover for the new year. If you do not wish to receive this newslet- Due to be completed in the spring, the playground area will boast new playground equip- ter, please email: [email protected], ment, and asphalt paving. and we will delete you from the mailing

list.