Syracuse Creekwalk Phase 2 Trail To Open on July 4th

Press release from the City of Syracuse:

June 26 2020

Extending through Kirk Park is Creekwalk Phase II, a 2.2-mile second leg of the Creekwalk trail along Onondaga Creek. After a 12-year process to create an outdoor space for walking and biking in Syracuse, the opportunity to explore parts of the city while on the trail is now available from the southern end of the city to Onondaga Lake.

The extension of the trail is beautiful and safe. It provides paved access points and markings with newly added features such as: fencing and rails along certain areas of the 4.8 mile path, surveillance cameras in 20 different locations, rest areas, and LED lighting. The trail also features emergency call stations along remote paths along the Creekwalk offering pedestrians and bikers immediate access to first responders when needed.

Kirk Park Highlights

The Creekwalk pedestrian and bike trail adds a natural attraction to the city’s Southside. The walking trail is wide and freeing. The extension from south of Downtown Syracuse now connects Kirk Park, Lower Onondaga Park, the Southside, the Near West Side and Downtown Syracuse, and joins to the existing Creekwalk trail at Armory Square. The continuous trail now reaches 4.8 miles from Onondaga Lake to Kirk Park. The City is encouraging all Syracusans to explore the new trail this July 4 holiday and return often in the future!

In most areas, the trail is a stand-alone 13-foot wide paved and lighted trail. On West Street, the existing bike lane has been upgraded and new sidewalks installed. South of West Street, the trail winds along Onondaga Creek through several large greenspaces and ends at Kirk Park.

Through Kirk Park, the trail highlights the park’s beauty and has long open views of Onondaga Creek. Access to the Creekwalk is by foot, bike or a new parking lot at Hunt Avenue. First stop on the trail from this south end is a new Onondaga Creek Overlook. providing up close views of Onondaga Creek and its stonework.

Creekwalk Overlook at Kirk Park

Creekwalk at Traveler’s Rest

New Creekwalk underpass of South Avenue 1

New Creekwalk underpass of South Avenue 2

Walking north on the trail, one passes the pedestrian bridge to the east side of Kirk Park and then passes below the Travelers Rest Building. This section of trail rediscovers an old trail section now cleared from decades of overgrowth. Stone walls from the WPA era guide the path here.Continue north on the winding trail and find that you don’t need to cross busy South Avenue. The trail drops under South Avenue with a new Creekside platform. Walk through and emerge to the fountains at Lower Onondaga Park. The Kirk Park and Lower Onondaga Park section provides almost 2 /3 of a mile without crossing City roads. Stay tuned for more Creekwalk highlights!

This press release was produced by the City of Syracuse. The views expressed here are the author’s own.