PARKS PERSPECTIVES. Let Parks and Recreation help with some of your new year s resolutions

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1 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 basketball to yoga. Even pickleball! There is walking every weekday morning; weight training on Monday and Wednesday mornings; yoga on Tuesday and Thursday mornings; strength resistance and training on Tuesday mornings; body toning on Thursday mornings; basketball on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons; badminton on Tuesday afternoons; ping pong on Wednesdays; volleyball on Monday afternoons and Friday 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? CONTENTS FOCUS ON FITNESS Senior Programs page 1 Creekwalk, Pools page 4 Fitness for Kids & Families page 5 Healthy Cooking Recipe page 5 Employee Spotlight page 2 Volunteer Spotlight page 3 Park Posts page 3 Roundball Recap page 6 Skiddy Park Update page 6 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 composite 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. The Cecile Center in the Valley section of the city has a variety of senior fitness programs, covering a range of abilities. 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 chair exercises and weights on Fridays. On Tuesdays, there are two simple chair exercise segments, and a line dance class on Tuesdays from 9 to 11 a.m., with all kinds of music featured. (more on page 4) Top photo: Volleyball at the Magnarelli Community Center at McChesney Park; bottom photo: pickleball at the Center PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE BEGINNING ANY EXERCISE REGIMEN Spencer St., Syracuse, NY (315) Stephanie A. Miner, Mayor Baye Muhammad, Commissioner John D. Walsh, Deputy Commissioner

2 JOHN BIALY Gardener John Bialy waters plants in the Greenhouse. There is approximately 15,000 to 16,000 square feet of usable space in the facility, including the growing area and the Atrium. DIANE HUNT On a weekday afternoon, at the Westmoreland Center on the city s east side, at least a dozen youngsters are there, playing with the recreation aides and one another, watching television, and painting pictures. In the middle of it all is Diane Hunt, director of the center, situated on Westmoreland Avenue, at Erie Boulevard East. She is wellsuited for the job of working with young people, since she s the oldest of seven, and has raised three sons and is grandmother to seven. I love the kids, she says. It s a statement that has formed the foundation of her 20-year career with the Parks Department. And it s apparent that her love for the kids is Plants are not the only things that have grown in the city s Greenhouse on Onondaga Avenue, adjacent to Lower Onondaga Park. So has gardener John Bialy. John started full-time with the Parks Dept. in 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 eight years old spending time with his uncle, Ben Kuppel, who had overseen the greenhouse operations for decades. Today, John and the rest of the crew spend their spring, summer and fall months planting and tending to tens of thousands of flowers and shrubs in nearly every pocket of the city the beds and planters downtown and in city parks and traffic medians, for example. John estimated that they put out an estimated 80,000 plants by July 4th in about 400 areas and planter pots. But that doesn't mean the crew is dormant during the winter months. reciprocated. Diane has worked at all the department s centers, and during that time, with her calming and nurturing demeanor and big smile, she has developed relationships with many of the young people. Some of the older kids will return with gifts on Mother s Day or during the Christmas season, and she admits that she is finding herself tending to the youngsters of kids who had been at the centers a generation ago. When not at the center or taking children on a field trip, Diane can also be found working at various special events during the year, and has become a regular at the Festival of Lights North Pole, in charge of the holiday treats. Top right: Diane poses with some of the youngsters at the Westmoreland Center, from left, Iyana Phillip, Ajerei Diaz, and Jakia Howard. Bottom right: Diane and Joelle Dougherty work at the recent Festival of Lights event at Burnet Park. John pointed out trays and trays of seeds lined up in the growing area of the Greenhouse. Underneath the trays are heating sheets that provide a more consistent temperature to promote growing. The crew hand waters all the plants, which, John explained, allows them more control, since the plants all differ in how much water they need. John had training in computer technology, but he admits that he found that to be little uninteresting. Yet, he applied his technological know-how to his work at the Greenhouse, creating various databases on soil mixtures; watering patterns; and growing conditions for certain plants, in order to determine which species and varieties fared better than others. Over the years, John has seen the demand for plants and flowers throughout the city grow, but so have the partnerships, he said. He is pleased to see that more and more neighborhood associations are helping in the plantings, which cultivates a greater interest and pride in the green spaces areas and helps to stem vandalism.

3 Neighborhood Tree Plantings A Success This year the Parks Department oversaw three large tree planting projects all supported through Onondaga County s Save The Rain Program a federally mandated effort to limit stormwater pollution to Onondaga Lake and its tributaries using green infrastructure (in this case trees). Over 70 trees were planted in the Skunk City Neighborhood this spring and fall after a long and disruptive sewer separation project dug up every road and sidewalk on Hartson, Herriman, Hoefler, and Lydell Streets. Residents had an opportunity to pick from a choice of species. In the Court Woodlawn Neighborhood, 59 container trees were planted by Onondaga Community College students in celebration of OCCs 50 th year in existence. At Union and Demong Parks and Schiller Park, 104 bare-root trees were planted by over 80 volunteers, including two busloads of ESF students, a caravan of students from SUNY Morrisville and the Onondaga Earth Corps. There are no better labor force for tree planting than these groups! The Parks Department would like to especially thank Cornell Cooperative Extension for their work in planning and training volunteers and to the Schiller Park Association for refreshments. Andrew Maxwell, Katelyn Wright and Greg Michel, (all from the Department of Planning and Sustainability) demonstrate their commitment to sustainability by planting a tree at Schiller Park.. City county arborist Steve Harris (in the red vest) oversees the crew. SOME COOL EVENTS AT WINTERFEST Downtown Syracuse will be the center of Syracuse Winterfest from Feb. 15 through Feb. 26. Check out this year s ice creation at Clinton Square. For all the updated info on Winterfest events the cook-offs, mix-offs, ice sculptures and more, check out syracusewinterfest.com. WHAT S COOKING AT THORNDEN? Members of the Thornden Park Association will be cooking up some fun and tasty chili recipes at the Park s Fieldhouse on Feb. 18th, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. in this annual event. Proceeds from the event support the Association s work in the park. Check out for information on this event and this very active organization. LACE UP FOR LUNCH and spend your lunch hour on ice at Clinton Square with this lunchtime special rates weekdays from 11 PARKS POSTS a..m. to 1:30 p.m., admission is $1.50 or $2.50 admission with a skate rental. Excludes school vacations. THEME NIGHTS Coming soon the Theme Nights at Clinton Square Ice Rink on various Saturday evenings, with special admission prices. Stay tuned for more info. BATTER S UP Softball registration for returning teams will be at Meachem Rink on Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Returning and/or new teams can register on March 24th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Meachem Rink. Registration fee is $375, and includes a $110- refundable performance bond. For more information, call Joelle Dougherty at , ext Some local groups and individuals partnered with the Parks Dept. this past holiday season to assist with programs and special events for families throughout Central New York, such as the Festival of Lights at Burnet Park, the Breakfast with Santa, and a holiday party at the Westmoreland Center. Special thanks to: Price Chopper, Friehofer s, C&S Companies, Byrne Dairy, Deli-Boy, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Pensabene s Casa Grande, Keller Williams Realty, Sue Brewer, Daniel Case, Nikki Cawley, Richie Collins, Joelle Dougherty, Britney Farmer, Jenna Godlewski, Kathleen Gratien, Diane Hunt,, Barb Kempf, Mike & Chris O Brien, Brendan Sammon, Dan Macko, Seamus Barry and Matt Koziol. AWARDS The Parks Dept. was recently awarded the 2011 Outstanding Cooperator Award from the Cornell University Cooperative Extension for the support and commitment to the CommuniTree Steward Program, the Arbor Day Celebration and the Save the Rain Program. CITY OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED Jan. 16 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Feb. 20 for President s Day.

4 VISIT CITY PARKS, CENTERS, AND POOLS FOR YOUR NEW YEAR S RESOLUTIONS Portion of the Creekwalk near Franklin Square, and example of Creekwalk signage TAKE A WALK, JOG, OR RUN (continued from page 1) The perimeter roads at Burnet, Onondaga, and Thornden Parks offer a variety of terrains for walkers, joggers, runners and cyclists. Burnet s roadway is fairly flat, with some gently sloping stretches; Onondaga Park s perimeter is well-marked for pedestrian traffic and is relatively flat with one hill by the old Firebarn. For those looking for more of a challenge, Thornden Park s main road has a few flat stretches and a couple of steep hills. Those who include the roundtops at these parks will be rewarded with some amazing vistas of the Syracuse skyline. More and more people are taking advantage of the Creekwalk. The 2.6-mile walk stretches from the bustle of downtown to the more natural surroundings of the Inner Harbor and Onondaga Lake. Beginning by the MOST in Armory Square, the walkway meanders by the Serpent public art sculpture and the revitalized area by the Syracuse University Warehouse, past National Grid, through the Franklin Square neighborhood, and across Spencer Street to the Parks & Recreation Department. From there, the walk goes across Kirkpatrick Street to the Inner Harbor area, crosses underneath the Bear Street overpass, wraps around the Hiawatha Boulevard overpass and then out to Onondaga Lake. Just follow the Creekwalk signs and the yellow line. CITY POOLS OFFER LAP AND PUBLIC SWIM HOURS AND WATER EXERCISE CLASSES It may not be summer, but the city s parks department still has some pools open. In addition, the Max Newman Pool at Nottingham High School offers early morning lap swim Mondays through Fridays from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. in the 25-yard lap pool in the shallow section. There is a fee of $3 per session; and coupon books are available for $55 for 20 coupons and $125 for 50 coupons. The Southwest Pool and Valley Pool both offer adult lap and public swim at their facilities, with six 25-yard lanes and water heated to degrees a perfect way to take the winter chill off. Both have shallow and deep ends, wheelchair disabled accessible tiers and stairs. Huntington School Pool in Eastwood is open for lap swim Valley Pool also offers early morning lap swim from 7 to 9 a.m. Mondays through Fridays. While the afternoon and evening lap and public swim sessions are free; there is a nominal fee for the early morning lap swimming at Valley. The entry fee is $3 or one ticket; ticket books are available at the pool for $135 for to tickets or $55 for 20 tickets. Water exercise programs are geared to improve flexibility and muscle tone and are offered at Southwest, Valley and Huntington Pools. They are open to adults 16 years of age and older, and because they are held in the shallow end of the pools, no swimming skills are required. The fees are $35 for city residents and $60 for non-city residents. Water shoes are highly recommended. The adult deep water aerobics also improve flexibility and muscle tone but with more impact. They are open to adults 16 years of age and older. Fees are $20 for city residents and $35 for non-city residents, and students are required to have an exercise flotation belt. Southwest Pool is located at 230 Lincoln Avenue at Clover Street, behind the Southwest Community Center. Valley Pool is located behind Clary Middle School on Amidon Drive off of West Seneca Turnpike. Visit click on the Divisions tab and then on the Aquatics tab for more information on schedules of classes and registration forms for the adult exercise programs and adult and children s swim lessons. From top: Southwest Pool; Valley Pool; Max Newman Pool at Nottingham High School.

5 PLENTY OF FUN AND FITNESS PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES The Youth Recreation Division has a lot planned for youth and families to enjoy.. Teen Programs at Hamilton Street and Shonnard Street Boys and Girls Clubs will resume following the holiday break. Free drop-in recreation for teens. Shonnard: Monday-Friday 6pm-9pm. Hamilton Street: Monday-Thursday 6pm-9pm. Must show ID. Instructional Ski Nights at Song Mountain January 24, February 8. Departs after school. Great opportunity to try downhill skiing or snowboarding! $25 fee per trip includes Lift Pass, Lesson, and Rental ($15- lift pass only). Registration limited! Have an Active Winter Break... Stay active outdoors when school s out. Check our website for updates and registration information. Activities to include: Winter Adventure Feb. 21, 2012 a full day of adventure at Orneda Springs $35 Skiing /Snowboarding at Song Feb. 22, a.mm to 4 p.m. $25 for lift ticket and rental / $15 for lift ticket only. Also, Cross Country Skiing, Tubing, Ice Skating and more! Cuse Spot at Wilson Park Feb Sign up for a variety of sessions designed to keep the body and mind active while school is out! Past lessons have included cooking, art, poetry, dance, karate, digital DJ, chess, and more! FIT Kids Program Free, after school wellness program designed to help kids burn energy while improving fitness levels and learning about healthy nutrition. Led by certified fitness instructors. Spring Session scheduled to begin Feb. 27 t. cabbott@ci.syracuse.ny.us for more information. X-C Skiing at Sunnycrest we ll be ready when winter arrives! Trails open daily as conditions permit. Ski Lodge at Sunnycrest will be open on weekends and during the school break, for rentals and warmth! 10am-5pm. $5 for adult ski rentals. Snowshoe Clinics at Sunnycrest with Fleet Feet Syracuse. Scheduled for Saturdays, January 21, 28, February 4, and a.m. Free. Give it a try! Call for more information! Annual Family Night at Magnarelli Center is a Fit Hit Held as the culminating event of the FIT Kids program, the 2 nd annual Family Night invited program youth, along with family members, to the Magnarelli Center on Dec. 8, for games, healthy cooking classes, stunning demonstrations and more! The event kicked off, literally, with a Syracuse Silver Knights Soccer Clinic. Thanks to POMCO, all participants walked away with a new soccer ball! Active games with fitness trainers; cooking with Cornell Cooperative Extension; Kung Fu demo with S. Bey; Dance performance with Young &Talented; door prizes. 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 kale is tough. Fold leaves in half to remove stalk, then roll into tight cylinder and cut into thin strips. Heat old in large pot (medium heat). Add onions and garlic and sauté for 3-5 minutes. Add broth; for then roll into tight cylinder and cut into thin strips. Heat oil in large pot (med heat) salt, pepper, cayenne. Cover and bring to boil. Add potatoes and carrots; cover and return to boil. Uncover and simmer minutes. (add a little water if soup cooks down too much) Add kale and kielbasa to soup. Continue cooking 5 minutes. Yields: 5 1-cup servings. Per serving: Calories: 120; Total Fat: 6g (Sat. Fat: 1.5g; Trans: 0); Sodium: 420 mg; Total Carb: 12g (Fiber: 2g; Sugars: 2g); Protein: 4g; Vit A: 80% PDV; Vit C: 50% PDV

6 Henninger Crowned 2011 Mayor s Roundball Champs Photos by Rocco Carbone; story by Chris Abbott For the eighth time in its 10 year history, Henninger High School s Black Knights were crowned Champions of the City s Mayors Rof Technology and Faith Heritage Academy. Tech won Coach Erik Saroney and the Black Knights hoisted the Roundball Trophy following a victory over a tough Corcoran High School team in the Tournament Finals, held Dec. 29 on the campus of LeMoyne College. Led by Tommie Spinners 15 points, and tournament MVP Marquies Young s doubledouble (14 points/15 rebounds) Henninger outscored Corcoran in the second half to secure the 2011 Title. In the Consolation Game, Nottingham defeated Fowler 69 to 51. And, a bonus contest held earlier in the evening at LeMoyne featured Syracuse s Institute of Technology and Faith Heritage Academy. Tech won Earning All-Tournament honors for the 2011 Classic were Henry Sullivan (Corcoran), Wilquan Burke (Fowler), Tyquan Rolon (Nottingham), Mikell Clemons (Tech), and Kavon Delee (Henninger). Also on championship night, the Syracuse City School District honored two individuals for their contributions to SCSD athletics and to the greater Syracuse community. Former Nottingham High School student and NFL Super Bowl Champion Dorsey Levens received the Roundball Alumni award for his achievements as a standout athlete in the district, and for his ongoing commitment to the young people of Syracuse. Receiving the annual 6 th Man Award was former Parks Commissioner Patrick Driscoll, a founding father of the Mayor s Roundball Classic. Pat s vision and leadership as Parks Commissioner helped create and nurture countless opportunities for young people to engage in safe, positive leisure-time pursuits in the City. For a decade, the Mayor s Roundball has showcased the athletic abilities of student athletes in the city and the dedication and commitment of City School coaches, administrators, and, indeed, family and fans. Nearcapacity crowds sending positive, spirited cheers from all angles, just drives the point home In the Syracuse City School District, It s All About Pride. Proceeds from 10 years of the Roundball Classics have gone to support scholastic sports programs in each of the City High Schools, in the form of dedicated funds for athletic equipment, uniforms and other supplies. To date, the tournament has raised more than $75,000 for the schools. 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 mroach@ci.syracuse.ny.us. Skiddy Park, on the city s Near Westside, is undergoing a makeover for the new year. Due to be completed in the spring, the playground area will boast new playground equipment, and asphalt paving. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please bives@ci.syracuse.ny.us, and we will delete you from the mailing list.