Celebrate Stewart Park

Join us in Celebrating Stewart Park this Saturday, Sept. 20!
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CELEBRATING STEWART PARK

September is always an exciting time for us at Friends of Stewart Park as we prepare for our annual Party for the Park. This year marks the 10th annual celebration of this cherished place and the many people who make it so special. For this milestone, we’re inviting not only our friends and supporters, but the entire community to join us in honoring Stewart Park. You'll find the link for more information and to get your tickets below.

On September 12th, Stewart Park was recognized at the inaugural Chusid Symposium on Place in Geneva, NY. The engaging symposium highlighted eight Central New York spaces where diverse voices are shaping conversations around economic development, heritage, climate resiliency, and equity. I enjoyed being a panelist, and it was inspiring to see Stewart Park lifted up alongside other efforts that protect history, nurture community, and safeguard the natural environment—ensuring these places remain welcoming and accessible for all.

We love our park year-round, but September and Party for the Park gives us a special opportunity to reflect on what Stewart Park means to our community—past, present, and future.


With Appreciation,

Meloney McMurry

Executive Director, Friends of Stewart Park

Will you be joining us this Saturday for Party for the Park? It’s the tenth annual Friends of Stewart Park and Wharton Studio Museum Fundraiser for Stewart Park revitalization!

This year’s party includes a fun and festive “DECADEnce” theme, and guests are encouraged to dress from their favorite decade! From the Fabulous Fifties to the Awesome Aughts, we’ll enjoy an evening of community spirit and lively nostalgia. Jyl’s Photo Booth will be there to capture the fun!


See below for details on this year’s incredible silent auction, with creations from local artists.The silent auction will replace the raffle. Delicious food this year by Ba-Li Cravings, craft cocktails from the Rosé Rig, and music from every decade by London McDaniel.


All proceeds support ongoing efforts to ensure Stewart Park remains a welcoming and vibrant space for everyone.

2025 STEWARtSHIP AWARDS

Each year FSP and WSM recognize individuals and

organizations who have an impact on park revitalization.

This year’s honorees are:


Dawn Stillwell
For her seven years of running the carousel


Wayne Stokes

For his committed volunteer work

SILENT AUCTION

We are so grateful to all the talented local artists who have generously donated Silent Auction items to help make this year’s Party for the Park fundraiser a success!


You will have the opportunity to go home with beautiful artwork by Tim Merrick (etching of Stewart Park etching), Nora Burrows (quilt), Jon Jenson (upcycled lamp), Daniel McPheeters (digital print), Dede Hatch (photograph of Stewart Park), Kate Bevington (ceramic bowl), or Frank Muller (photograph and cards of Stewart Park).

SEE YOU AT THE PARTY!

Silent Movie Under the Stars this weekend, Free Carousel Labor Day weekend, Party for the Park and mor

Silent Movie Under the Stars this weekend, Free Carousel Labor Day weekend, Party for the Park and more!
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A Note from Our Director

As summer winds down at Stewart Park, I want to take a moment to thank you for being part of another vibrant season in our beloved lakefront gem. From the laughter of children on the carousel to families gathering for picnics and community events, the park has been alive with joy and connection all summer long.

Your support makes this possible. Whether through volunteering during a park clean-up, sponsoring a new playground bench, making a donation, or simply showing up to enjoy the park, you help us keep Stewart Park welcoming, beautiful, and full of life.

Of course, this season has not been without its challenges, including recent vandalism at the playground bathrooms, and the ongoing efforts to keep up with maintenance and staffing needs in the park. These issues remind us how important it is to continue investing in the care and stewardship of this beloved community space—and how much we rely on dedicated partners like you to meet these needs.

Looking ahead, we’re excited about the opportunities this fall brings, including free carousel rides on Labor Day weekend, Elayne’s Lending Library Book Swap, and our 10th annual Party for the Park. Together, we are ensuring that Stewart Park remains a place of beauty, history, and community for generations to come.

Thank you for being a friend of Stewart Park. I look forward to seeing you in the park this fall.

With gratitude,
Meloney McMurry
Executive Director, Friends of Stewart Park

You’re Invited: Party for the Park Turns 10!

Step Into the Decades with Us

Every September, Friends of Stewart Park and Wharton Studio Museum host our signature Fundraiser for park revitalization, Party for the Park! This year’s party will be the 10th annual! We hope you will join us.


This milestone celebration features a fun and festive “DECADEnce” theme. From the Fabulous Fifties to the Awesome Aughts, we invite guests to dress in tribute to their favorite era and enjoy an evening of community spirit and lively nostalgia. Jyl’s Photo Booth will be there to capture the fun!


This year’s party features delicious food by BaLi Cravings, craft cocktails from the Rose Rig, and music from every decade by London McDaniel. A silent auction featuring lovely creations from local artists will replace our traditional raffle.


This year’s Party for the Park will be Saturday, September 20, from 6:00 - 8:30 PM. Please consider buying your tickets early (this helps our caterer make the event extra special), and remember that your generosity makes a difference. We are grateful for your contribution at a level that is meaningful to you. All proceeds support ongoing efforts to ensure Stewart Park remains a welcoming and vibrant space for everyone.

From our Partner in Park Revitalization, Wharton Studio Museum: SILENT MOVIE UNDER THE STARS

THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

Free Mushroom Walks

Discover the fascinating world of fungi with free monthly Mushroom Walks at Renwick Wildwood Bird Sanctuary in Stewart Park, Ithaca, NY. Perfect for adults and families with children. Next walk is Saturday, August 23 from 10:00-11:30 AM LEARN MORE

Carousel News

Stewart Park's Longest-serving Carousel Operator Retires

Labor Day Weekend

Free Carousel & Back To School Book Swap

Take a spin on the Carousel Labor Day weekend courtesy of Friends of Stewart Park with support from the Tompkins County Tourism Program! Rides will be free Saturday, Sunday and Monday.


Additionally, FSP will be hosting a Back to School Book Swap Saturday, August 30, from 11am to noon. Bring a book you’ve enjoyed and trade with someone else. If you have extra books to give, we’ll put them in Elayne’s Lending Library for all to enjoy.

New Wayfinding Signs in the Park

Last fall, FSP was awarded a Tompkins County Tourism Program Capital Grantto update the Wayfinding in Stewart Park and along the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. We’re pleased to say that the first half of the Stewart Park signs were installed this week.


Thank you to the Strategic Tourism Planning Board and the Tompkins County Legislature for this generous support!

Elayne’s Library News