In a Syracuse park scarred by shootings, officials open a creekside place to 'take a break'

David J. Valesky

November 3, 2014

By Tim Knauss on October 28, 2014 at 7:10 PM, updated October 28, 2014 at 7:19 PM

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Mayor Stephanie Miner today dedicated a new observation deck overlooking Onondaga Creek in Kirk Park that city officials call the "Outdoor Classroom" because it will be used to teach kids about the creek.

Miner was joined at a news conference by Cesar Perales, secretary of the New York Department of State, which provided funding for the project through its Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. State Sen. David Valesky, Common Councilor Bob Dougherty and other officials also attended.

With a $500,000 grant from the state, Syracuse officials used $190,000 to build the Kirk Park observation deck. Another $290,000 was spend on planning and design for the Kirk Park project and a second observation area, called the "Lake Lounge,'' to be constructed on the shore of Onondaga Lake. City officials hope to build the Lake Lounge next year.

Owen Kerney, assistant director of city planning, said the new Kirk Park observation deck provides a complement to the sports and playground activities for which the park is known.

"It's a spot to come down, read a book, look at the creek, take a break,'' Kerney said. City officials say they also anticipate that the parks department and other organizations, such as Onondaga Environmental Institute, will use the facility for educational activities.

When the Creekwalk is extended south from Armory Square in the future, it will come through Kirk Park, providing a path from the park through downtown to the lake.

In recent weeks, Kirk Park has been the scene of well-publicized shootings, including the fatal shooting of a 21-year-old mother of two and an exchange of gunfire that sent some 300 spectators fleeing from a Pop Warner football game.

Miner said city officials will not allow those incidents to define the park.

"Kirk Park is very safe,'' she said. "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, because the only way that you solve problems is by running toward them, not running away.''

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