City of Syracuse formally opens Kirk Park outdoor classroom

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The City of Syracuse on Tuesday formally opened the newly constructed outdoor classroom at Kirk Park on the city’s south side.

This facility, an elevated observation deck on the bank of Onondaga Creek, is part of the local waterfront-revitalization program (LWRP).

The city anticipates it will enhance recreational and educational opportunities in Kirk Park, according to a news release from the office of Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner.

The City of Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation, and Youth Programs will operate the outdoor classroom.

The facility will provide space for recreation, outdoor-education opportunities, and “enhanced” views of Onondaga Creek, Miner’s office said.

The Parks Department, the Onondaga Environmental Institute, and the nearby Seals Community Center will design programming for the classroom, the mayor’s office said.

The New York State Department of State provided $500,000 in funding to make the outdoor classroom possible, Miner’s office said.

The city and community conceived the project as part of the Onondaga Creek Waterfront Revitalization Strategy.

City staff discussed the matter with community members at four public meetings between the summer of 2012 and early 2013 to discuss the potential of a new project along Onondaga Creek.

The public input from those sessions helped to create design elements and develop the overall plan for the classroom project.

Kirk Park made headlines in late September when a young woman was shot and killed while standing with friends outside a car at the park. The incident interrupted a Pop Warner football game involving the Kirk Park Colts at the time and ultimately led to the cancellation of their remaining home games.

Syracuse Police later arrested two men in the incident.

A reporter at Tuesday’s formal opening asked Miner if Kirk Park is still a safe place for the public.

“I would tell you that Kirk Park is very safe. It is a jewel in our city, and we will not allow two knuckleheads to ruin that. We’re going to continue to invest in Kirk Park, continue to invest in the neighborhood,” Miner said.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com