One of the most attractive features of the neighborhood is the diversity if its residents. Ethnic groups from all over the globe, with a full range of income levels, can be found living in the neighborhood. Many faiths are also represented in the various religious institutions interspersed throughout the neighborhood.

Many works by Ward Wellington Ward, a distinguished Syracuse architect and important figure in the American Arts and Crafts Movement, contribute to the character of the area. The famous furniture maker, Gustav Stickley, also called this neighborhood home. In December 2003, Berkeley Park became Syracuse’s second preservation district officially tying the future of 139 properties to the neighborhood’s past.





A variety of green spaces like Barry and Thornden Parks bustle with activity… swimming, cross country skiing, football, soccer, tennis, softball, lacrosse, basketball, bicycling, jogging and walking every Saturday, Sunday and most afternoons during nice weather. In 2003, the Syracuse Post Standard listed the hill on Morningside Terrace (behind Ed Smith Elementary School), Westminster Park (at the top of stairs leading up from Euclid Avenue) and the water tower at Thornden Park (with its sweeping view to the west) as three of 15 of the "choicest spots in Central New York for sunset viewing".

Thornden Park regularly hosts community events and concerts within their stone and grass amphitheater. You will also find there a magnificent garden, a lily pond, an arboretum, an herb garden and acres of beautiful historic landscapes where you can enjoy nature’s beauty year round. The nearby Westcott Street commercial center hosts street fairs and concerts throughout the spring and summer months.

Nearby downtown landmarks and entertainment venues include Armory Square, Franklin Square, Clinton Square (skating rink), St. Mary’s Circle (summer arts festival), the War Memorial, OnCenter, Everson Museum, Syracuse Stage, Urban Cultural Park Visitors Center & Erie Canal Museum, The Syracuse Area Landmark Theatre, The Museum of Science & Technology (MOST), numerous galleries, bars and restaurants.





Since the neighborhood is in the Syracuse City School District, many of our children attend Edward Smith Elementary School, which has a national reputation for innovative classroom methods and as a model for Inclusion. Levy Junior High School was also recognized by the State of New York as a model for middle school education, and Nottingham Senior High School was named an outstanding urban high school by the Ford Foundation. It is also a magnet school for the performing arts.

Students in the neighborhood may also attend the Syracuse Charter School for Math & Science with tuition paid by the Syracuse City School District. Several private schools are nearby: Christian Brothers Academy, Manlius Pebble Hill School and Montessori Children’s School. Church-sponsored schools are also available throughout the City with free bus transportation furnished by the Syracuse City School District.

The heart of the neighborhood is Syracuse University, one of the nation’s leading student-centered research universities, and the State University College of Environmental Science & Forestry. Just east of the neighborhood is Le Moyne College, a liberal arts college and member of the Association of Jesuit colleges and Universities. Onondaga Community College (OCC) offers certificates and two-year degrees.

Upstate Medical University is a teaching hospital offering many specialized services to the area. The Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Crouse Hospital, and Hutchings Psychiatric Center are other nearby health institutions.






Characteristic of a model urban neighborhood, we have a small but bustling commercial center on Westcott Street noted for its avant garde boutiques, theatre, artist and antique galleries, florist, laundry, salons, music clubs, chiropractic services, exotic food and faire.

The Westcott Community Center provides after school and teen activities in addition to services for seniors. The Onondaga County Public Library System is well represented by Petit Branch Library nestled on Victoria Place. The Syracuse Cooperative Federal Credit Union offers community-based financial services.

Besides Westcott Street, neighborhood residents have access to several other shopping venues in and adjacent to the neighborhood: Syracuse Real Food Cooperative, Peter’s Grocery Store, Julien and Nottingham Plazas, and Marshall Street. Marshall Street was recently renovated and is attracting national chains such as Quiznos, Starbucks, Brueger’s Bagels, Fajita Grill, Insomnia Cookies, and Jimmy John’s. M-Street is famous among non-students as the place to buy Orange fan items, but also boasts a student laundry service company, a florist, a drug store, a pilates studio, a shoe store, several night clubs, lunch and supper spots, and the infamous Varsity and Cosmos pizza shops.






Our neighborhood has good access to Syracuse area expressways which give quick access to the New York State Thruway.

A train station on the Syracuse University Campus takes you Downtown, to Armory Square, Carousel Center Mall, and Walsh Transportation Center (regional bus and train station), The Regional Market, and P&C Stadium (baseball stadium). Bus service is excellent. Shoppingtown and Fayetteville Towne Center are also short rides from the neighborhood.

The Carrier Dome, (a 30,000 seat multipurpose stadium and concert venue), Marshall and Westcott Street Commercial Districts are within walking distance.






1. Creative, talented, interesting people

2. Affordable housing with character

3. Wonderful parks and green spaces

4. Good schools with involved parents

5. Unique stores, cinema and ethnic restaurants

6. Outstanding cultural and creative programs for all ages

7. Extraordinary resources at the university

8. Many participatory and spectator sports

9. Medical facilities nearby

10. Easy access to downtown and highways





WHY LIVE IN SYRACUSE?
Excerpt from The Post Standard – Friday, March 7, 2003
The Reader’s Page, by David Miller

"…I and many other citizens of what some call "The Worst City" are tired of people coming here and negatively commenting on where we live and work…

I’m a freelance technology consultant and downtown resident who spends a great deal of time traveling to Chicago, El Paso, Detroit, and Cleveland (just this past week). When people ask me where I live, my answer… with enormous pride… is Syracuse!

This town has more heart and more tenacity than cities three times its size. Having lived in New York City and Miami, I swear I have never encountered a more dedicated, hardworking, civic-minding group of people than right here.

With the development of Armory, Franklin and Hanover Squares, there is new life in a formerly deserted downtown. In addition, we are home to a great university, a world-class sports venue that adds enormous value by allowing Syracuse to host national events like the NCAA playoffs. The Carrier Dome is powerhouse in regards to creating promotional value for Syracuse during live ABC/ESPN sports coverage. Could anyone conceive a better method of attracting America’s spotlight on a regular basis?

Let’s move on to the nationally recognized list of cultural institutions… the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, Landmark Theatre, War Memorial, Syracuse Stage and Everson Museum. Did you gail to embrace the uniqueness of Syracuse when we hosted a once-in-a-lifetime concert event with the Marsalis Family February 28th… and Tori Amos the next night?

Feel blessed not to live in New York City or Miami where it would take years and an act of Congress to solve issues like a double-parked police vehicle or a street-sign issue.

Destiny USA certainly raises controversy, but people are alive with discussion and ideas on both sides. Developers are in the business to make money. Get it? I give Pyramid credit for coming up with the idea of Destiny USA. They certainly believe Syracuse and Central New York will profit from it.

This city, county and state face the most daunting economic challenges in recent history. We are losing jobs across the nation, and the prospect of war weighs on the public’s mind. Syracuse Mayor, Matt Driscoll, and other community leaders are putting their life’s blood into making Syracuse a better city during these unprecedented times…"



STAY IN SYRACUSE FELT A LOT LIKE COMING HOME
From The Post Standard – The Readers’ Page, December 23, 2005

When I leave today, it will be a month I’ve been here because of my job. I wasn’t really looking forward to spending this amount of time before Christmas away from home. I was raised on a Nebraska farm and was in the Navy for 24 years, and traveled extensively throughout the United States and the world.

I have to admit, after checking out many of your establishments, that the people here in Syracuse are a friendly, hospitable group. Everywhere I went, I was treated as an old friend, and I talked to people like they knew me for years. I was very impressed, and felt like I was back home with the friendly people of the Midwest.

I want to congratulate the people of Syracuse for their friendliness. Thanks again for the hospitality, Syracuse. Be proud of yourselves.

P.S. — If someone tells me they wish they could have a white Christmas, I’ll definitely let them know where they can find one. Great job to the road department on snow removal!

IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT MY COMMUNITY IT WOULD BE …
From The Post Standard, Neighbors Page, June 9, 2005

People’s perceptions about Syracuse! Syracuse has such wonderful parks, schools, libraries, and unique and beautiful homes – assets from which to be proud of and to build even stronger neighborhoods. People from the area are often surprised that my husband and I have chosen to live here versus returning to our hometowns in Massachusetts. I’m surprised to be asked, “Why do you stay?”

RARE NEW HOUSE IN CITY IS DREAM COME TRUE …
From The Post Standard, Business, June 26, 2004

Not everyone agrees with DeAndra Simmons’ decision to build a $205,000 4-bedroom colonial on Syracuse’s east side, but she wouldn’t trade it for anything. “Some people dream of exotic things, but for me, I just wanted to build a house from the ground up,” she said. “I love the city and I don’t want to be in the suburbs.” “I’ve lived in the city all my life, and I plan to stay here for the rest of my days,” said Simmons, a single mother of three children. The 2,771 square foot new house is located at 2718 E. Genesee Street.

40 BELOW WAVES OF IDEAS – ENERGY BUILDING FOR WHAT’S NEXT
Excerpt from The Post Standard, November 21, 2004, Page C-4

The 40 Below Summit that packed Oncenter on November 12 created a buzz that won’t go away. More than 600 young people attended the sold-out event You can also participate by visiting www.40belowsummit.com and downloading the feedback form to submit suggestions and comments. Following is a list of some of the best aspects of Central New York generated at the November Summit:

• Location in the middle of the great state of New York – Central New York – the center of it all.

• Low cost of living – to offset taxes – affordable housing

• Lakes, mountains, city life close by (New York City and Montreal), skiing, wineries, golf courses, culture – all within reach

• Laid back, family-friendly atmosphere

• Not too big, not too small, just right size

• Educational, developmental, medical, environmental opportunities

• Scenery – this place is beautiful

• Diversity – lots of ethic festivals

• Generous and friendly people

• Space not overdeveloped nor overpriced

IS SYRACUSE A GREAT SUMMER CITY OR WHAT?
 
From The Post Standard – Opinion Page, by Joan Schuls, Dewitt
 
My husband and I, and another couple, went to see and hear the Syracuse Symphony Candlelight Performance at Armory Square in front of the MOST conducted by Daniel Hege. The selection of songs was fantastic and uplifting.
 
How lucky we are to have a symphony in Syracuse. As we left the concert, I felt an air of Paris and New York. People were eating at outdoor cafes. Music was filling the air from Armory Square to Clinton Square. The sound of traffic was very alive. Even a local gal had an opportunity to conduct the symphony.
 
All this in Syracuse, New York, on a Saturday night. I love it here!


 



HIDDEN TREASURES …
UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD COUPLE’S COZY HOME DESIGNED BY WARD …
Excerpt from Dick Case, The Post Standard, August 29, 2004

Cleota Reed, a retired ceramicist and art historian, and her husband, David Tatham, a retired professor of fine arts from Syracuse University and world class expert on Winslow Home, live in a Syracuse landmark, a 90-year house designed by the much-celebrated architect, Ward Wellington Ward.

Cleota has lived there 34 years, arriving as a renter, professional ceramist and teacher. "This is what got me starting researching ceramics and architecture," Cleota says, pointing to the tiles set into the fireplace. They’re from Henry Mercer’s studio, via WW Ward. Cleota gave up creating her own ceramics to become an art historian. Her projects included studies of both Henry Mercer and Ward. One her five books is about Mercer’s Moravian Tile Works in Pennsylvania. Another’s about Ward houses, another the fabled Henry Keck stained-glass studio in Syracuse. Cleota’s credited with focusing our attention on Ward, who died unsung as a practitioner in the arts and crafts movement. She helped identify more than 100 Ward buildings in Syracuse and put together an exhibit and catalog of the architect’s work that’s a landmark about this maker of landmarks.

The historian’s cozy house is in the 300 block of Westcott Street. "We’re 90 years old this year and we’re one of the youngest on the block," David explains as we head into the back yard. Their latest project is a stone labyrinth. This piece of the Neighborhood, on the east side of Westcott, has a long slab of land boring back yards on Westcott and Cambridge Streets. Cleota and David know it to be the abandoned walkway for horses from a stable near East Genesee Street to a trotting track. Concord Place was the track’s center.






SYRACUSE: THE BEST-KEPT SECRET
 
By Leadership Greater Syracuse, Class of 2004
 
Syracuse, hold your head high. With the start of summer, let’s take some time to recognize all the wonderful attributes this area has to offer. As members of Leadership Greater Syracuse, we have had the opportunity to meet with a broad spectrum of the community and have our eyes opened to the positives of the region.
 
• Recreational opportunities abound. The Finger Lakes offer wineries, in addition to a wide variety of state and local parks that feature boating, fishing, golfing and hiking.
• We love to learn. Are you aware that this is the most heavily concentrated area of colleges and universities in the United States?
• The area offers an easy commute and affordable housing.
• Too much snow can be a good thing. Think of the ice sculptures, the skiing, the snowmobiling, hot cider and Winterfest.
• Consider Syracuse staples like salt potatoes, Dinosaur BBQ, Pastabilities bread, Doug’s Fish Fry, and Lyncourt Bakery.
• The arts abound: the Syracuse Symphony, Syracuse Stage, Syracuse Opera, Everson Museum of Art, as well as the Media Unit, the Open Hand and Redhouse Theater, Jazz Central, and several cultural festivals.
• Sports: Aside from national champs (SU lacrosse and basketball), we also have Syracuse Salty Dogs, Syracuse Crunch, and Skychiefs.
• The community is full of dedicated not-for-profit organizations working toward improving the quality of life.
• The great New York State Fair is another unique Central New York experience.
Share this secret. Spread the word about what a wonderful community this is.

WESTMINSTER PARK IS KNOWN FOR ITS GREAT VIEWS
Excerpt from The Post Standard, October 27, 2004, "Neighborhoods"

"This is a managed landscape", Norm Richards is saying. "Basically managed by the neighborhood." We’re standing on one of Syracuse’s summits, the drumlin rising from the 700 block of Euclid Avenue we call Westminster Park. This used to be farmland; stories persist of sheep grazing at the peak. Officially, it’s been city land since the Westminster housing tract developed around it, starting in the 1890’s.

The view’s spectacular. To the west, we the profiles of the city and Syracuse University. To the east and north, the summit’s capped with trees and scrubs. The legendary "thousand steps" stairway plunges to Euclid. Norm’s count is 181 steps. To the south, Westminster Avenue winds to Kensington Road.

Westminster Park’s history is marked by spurts of attention. Developers of the tract deeded the land to the city in the 1890’s but it stayed a "paper park" until about 1910 when we notice neighbors prodding the city to spend money to develop it. That eventually happened. We have a newspaper picture of Boy Scouts planting trees on the "bald face" of the 4.7-acre plot about 1916. Still, interest in Westminster – one of Syracuse’s secret scenic wonders – ebbs and flows over time.

"We keep at it," Norm says. This neighbor is right for the job. Norm’s retired from the faculty of the SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry where he developed a specialty in urban forestry. Among other accomplishments, he guided the city’s first tree inventory, starting in 1978.

The Richards bought their 1913 house in the 100 block of Westminster Avenue in 1972. Karen Richards grew up in the neighborhood. She’s the daughter of the late ESF professor, Svend O. Heiberg, namesake of Heiberg Forest in Tully. Karen says she used to play softball on the park’s roundtop. "We called it ‘The Circle’,", she says. A circle it is, clearly pictured on 1891 Westminster Tract maps. An asphalt drive circles the top; it’s been closed most of the time the Richards lived here.

Norm says he started bringing students to the park the year after he moved in. "This has been my lab," he explains. He’s led students and neighbors in cleanup drives ever since. With the help of city foresters, Norm – at the command end of a chain saw – directs pruning of trees and brush to keep the western view from the top clear. "One of the first things I learned when I came here to college is that ‘trees grow.’ But you can’t immensely manage all of your green space. Some of it is kept wild, within limits." Westminster’s carried on the city books as a "natural area", one of the five among our 895 acres of designated parkland in Syracuse.

Any group of neighbors, no matter how dedicated, can go only so far looking after our parks. Like the new Westminster neighbors of 1910, citizens around the park have had to speak up to get the city to pay attention to it. This happened recently as the old railing with concrete posts around the circle deteriorated. The parks department put its skilled tradesmen to work there last fall and this spring, replacing the barrier. "It’s important when neighbors get involved," according to Alix Krueger, the parks department’s program coordinator. Alix, a landscape architect, is a former student of Norm Richards. Norm says Alix worked closely with the neighborhood on shaping up Westminster. The work continues. "This is our next project," Norm explains, looking down the stretch of bumpy steps to Euclid Avenue. The city’s closed the stairway from time to time over the years. Recent repairs made it safer, but city experts think the steps and railings have to be replaced. One estimate of the cost is $350,000. "We’ve started the process," Alix Krueger explains. "We’re getting quotes and looking at old drawings and maps." Norm says a former neighbor of the park, now living in California, has promised a donation to help the city restore the stairway.

In 1910, when its neighbors leaned on the city to make a park out of the "huge hill" in the Westminster Tract, David Campbell, superintendent of parks, said he would see to it the hill got drives, paths and shrubbery to make it "most beautiful". He added, "I have heard that they intend to use the top of the hill for an aviation station. It would be most convenient to fly over there from Mount Olympus and then the students at the university could use the hill to study astronomy, especially on moonlight nights."

Westminster and Mount Olympus are only two of the drumlins on University Hill. Even at a lower place of the slope, the view from the Richards back yard takes in Onondaga Valley to the Onondaga Nation.

Norm looks out and smiles, "I’m sold on living in Syracuse."

INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR LAURIE HALSE ANDERSON
Her debut young adult novel, "Speak", was nominated for a National Book Award in 1999. Excerpt from The Post Standard – December 14, 2003
 
Anderson, 43, moved to Syracuse with her parents when she was 5 years old. She lived on Berkeley Drive while her mother and father who served as chaplain at Syracuse University.

Ed Smith was a wonderful school. My second grade teacher, Mrs. Sheedy-Shea, exposed us to poetry. The light bulb clicked on. I could do this — could write down what I saw in my head so that other people could see them. That was the moment I became an author. I benefitted from those commited, hard-working teachers, and was nurtured by the books in your libraries. For me, the old elegant central branch library with its metal grillwork and tight spiral staircases, the smell of old paper, and unending stacks of books all waiting for me to open them, was as sacred as church.

As for my reflections of Central New York … because the skies are so often cloudy around here, the people of Central New York are experts at finding the silver lining. You know how to build community. When it’s cold outside, you start a fire, put on a pot of chili and invite the neighbors over. When the power goes out, you play cards by candlelight.

The truth is, this is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Every season is glorious in sunlight or in shade. People here know how to laugh like nowhere else. This community has strong shoulders that share burdens and arms that open wide.

I say with pride that I am a product of Central New York, even though it makes me sound like an apple or a variety of extra-sharp cheese. I am a product of the schools, the libraries, the values and the dreams. I am one of many products, generations of Central New Yorkers, who carry on the traditions we learned here. Some of us stay, some of us leave, some us even come back after a little time away. You have so much to be proud of here. This is a special place, filled with extraordinary people.

CITY BEAUTIFUL …
Syracuse has 890,000 trees and 1,000 acres of greenspace. In the University Neighborhood, Thornden Park is 76 acres of parklands, topography and natural beauty. It was preserved after the City purchased the property from the Davis Estate in 1921. The recently renovated Carriage House is thought to be part of the Davis Estate greenhouse. The Syracuse Rose Society cares for the E.M. Mills Rose Garden, which is internationally known as one of the oldest and finest, rose gardens in America. This summer Thornden’s Amphitheater hosted Syracuse’s first ever William Shakespeare in the Park Festival. Barry Park is a neighborhood park established by citizen petition in 1944 and approved by the Syracuse Common Council. The 13 acres of recreation area was purchased from George Lyings and is home to youth recreation, soccer and baseball games. A true community park since its inception, Barry Park’s playground was renovated and reconstructed by the Barry Park Association in 2001.






SPECTACULAR SUNSETS OF THE UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD
The Post Standard (10/4/2003) listed the hill on Morningside Terrace (behind Ed Smith Elementary School), Westminster Park (at the top of stairs leading up from Euclid Avenue), and the water tower at Thornden Park (with its sweeping view to the west) as three of 15 of the choicest spots Central New York offers for sunset viewing. How fortunate we are to have so many "choice" spots to end our day …

"Are, here at the nowhere of the rainbow’s end, where even light has failed its situation, slant the only life it ever had, where even the most gallant sunset can’t hold back for more than a nonce the rain-laden eastern sky of night. It’s clear. It’s clear."
From Dear Miss Emily by James Galvin

PASSION FOR THE PARK
The Post Standard, Neighbors City, February 3, 2005

Miranda Hine was excited when her family moved from New York City 25 years ago and settled in a house behind Thornden Park in the Syracuse University neighborhood. Hine was charmed by the park, which sits on a 76-acre lot that stretches along Ostrom Avenue, Clarendon Street, Greenwood Place, and South Beech Street. Soon, she began mobilizing neighbors to clean the park, pushing the city to fix it up and encouraging residents to use the park. "I felt like I was getting a (76-acre) backyard," said Hine who lives on Clarendon Street. "There was just something about it I really enjoyed. Something drew me to it, and my passion grew as I learned more about its history, its story." Hine’s love for the park inspired her to help form an association to galvanize neighbors to revive the park. The Thornden Park Association was formed in 1983. Since then, the association has helped restore several areas of the park including the lily pond, an amphitheater, new playground, the carriage house, and plantings of new flower beds. Carol Simson, a board member and former president says, "Miranda has been very instrumental in helping to restore the park. If you look at the park, you see the beauty in it, you should want to help fix it up." Some of the major events held in the park include Shakespeare in the Park, performances by Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, the Thornden Park Rose Festival, annual garden tours and a chili festival. "The park is a major focus of mine," Hine says. "I’ve worked on it, cared for it and enjoyed it. It’s shaped my life, but not in a hokey sense. It’s taught me way more than I’ve done for it."

ABOUT MOVING BACK TO SYRACUSE

Finally I’m moving back after years of thinking about what I truly love and miss! Four seasons, real landscapes, great smells, friendly people and lots of family. The state fair, the farmers market, the old chief stadium, great parades, fishing and hunting, picking pumpkins in fall, fresh apple cider, long winters, sweaters, hats, rainy nights, old houses, dairy farms, small communities. Upstate is where I want to raise a family. Sometimes you have to move away to appreciate what you really have. Sincerely, C.J.W.

IGNORE ANYONE WHO SUGGESTS YOU’RE CRAZY TO BE MOVING HERE
By Jeff Kramer, Contributing Columnist, The Post Standard

The penchant of some Syracusans to bash this place can throw newcomers, but I’m starting to think it’s a scam to maintain the quality of life here. Sure, it snows and the economy is in transition, but balance that against clean air and drinking water, manageable traffic, moderate housing prices, a vibrant cultural scene, relatively little crime, bountiful parks and lakes and – this is key – excellent hot wings. Imagine if the word got out!

CITY SCHOOL EXPERIENCE OFFERS DIVERSITY
By Maggie Smith, The Post Standard, Voices, February 8, 2005
My name is Maggie Smith. I am a senior at Nottingham High School.

I have never seen anyone shot. For some reason, many people think Nottingham is a place where I would see that kind of thing. Everyone seems to be under the impression that city schools are out of hand, dangerous and violent … without educational value.

Well, here’s a wake up call for you: City schools actually provide a safe, challenging and outstanding education for anybody willing to learn.

I have attended city schools all my life and have found both social and educational benefits that will last a lifetime. The environment within city schools is so diverse that it’s not hard to befriend many people who come from all over the world. Learning so many new things about other people and their cultural backgrounds is rewarding. Students here develop the understanding and respect for those who are different. With such a large population of differences including special needs, students here are constantly learning. It’s an education in itself.

Maybe they don’t have the budget of suburban or private schools, but city schools do provide excellent teachers and a sincere opportunity for success. Distractions, however surprising, are limited, and the wide range of courses offered can suit anyone’s needs. There are courses here for those who want to attend Ivy League colleges, and there are courses designed for those who need a little extra help. The teachers are truly devoted to education and are always trying to make an impact on our lives.

What seems to surprise people the most, however, is the lack of violence in the city schools. Syracuse can be violent at times and there are a lot of gangs within the city, but what goes down outside the schools stays outside. The teenagers attending city schools aren’t there to fight. In fact, there has never been a time when I have felt unsafe going to school. The schools also take extra precautions in providing a safe environment, with random metal detector checks and searches.

Parents are so adamant about preparing their child for the real world, yet many seem so resistant to sending their kid to the city schools. Nottingham and other city schools are a reflection of the real world, with its various types of people and attitudes. Today, we live in a global society and we shouldn’t isolate ourselves in a homogeneous world. We need to be open to different cultures. Nowhere else in Central New York can you get the cultural diversity that is so reflective of our society as you can in city schools. I could never imagine going to school anywhere else. I hope someday people will consider it for what it’s worth, because the educational value I am getting out of city schools is worth a million.

POETRY SCAVENGER HUNT …

Last summer, families were invited to a poetry scavenger hunt and collected lines of a poem commissioned from Westcott area native, Georgia Popoff. The lines of poem found were then assembled as a whole. Thornden Park is the third Syracuse city park for which she has written a poem and created a poetry scavenger hunt. A native of the Westcott area, the park has been a constant in her life. With this poem, the Thornden Park Association hopes you will enjoy learning more about the history and the elements that make Thornden Park the gem of the East Side.

The Echo of Memory: A Thornden Park Journey in Time – by Georgia Popoff

We begin a journey of memory, of time and laughter,
the many voices that have sung together, shared meals and games.
Neptune has risen from the sea to lord over our water
from the hill above and keep safe watch over us in our discoveries.

Amid the sounds of children climbing, sliding, swinging legs
through summer air, we can distinguish the chatter of parties,
the morning patter, the evening meals from the home long ago
burned down, the surrounding orchards and comforting hills.

The squeals and giggles on a sweltering day fill the spray,
mixing with cannonball splashes and the cicada high in the trees.
The steady rhythm of laps in early morning, arms slicing turquoise
water, and a gentle kick; silver sun and white stucco shine bright peace.

Stand quietly, imagine for a moment the splash (not of swimmers),
trout in the pond, replaced by applause and symphony, the disciplined
breathing during katas, belly dancers jingling their sways, an aria of birds.
Here where 10,000 filled the tiers to celebrate a gathering place for the future.

If we sit in silence, just a minute to be quiet, the scrape of blade
against ice fills us, skaters who once glided the frozen field, the rasp
interlaces with the cheers of parents and coaches, young football champions
who rule this field now on brilliant autumn afternoons.

Marriage and union, history and just this season lush with rose perfume.
Tunnels of petals and leaf, color and scent, more than 10,000, a city of roses.
Patient and persistent roses, year after year, generations lined back to back,
famous throughout the world and, yet, just waiting here for us to breathe in.

The deep purple of columbine, the spring dance of iris in the sun, day lilies,
the delicate fugue of waterfall against lily pad hidden in the middle of it all.
Choose left or right, it does not matter which stairs, they both lead you
along the brick path to Carriage House and home.

A little maze, a labyrinth of savory, dill, lavender, lamb’s ear,
marjoram and sage, soft aromas of summer sun and busy kitchens.
In winter, herbs snuggle deep in mulch and snow, restoring,
their roots grip the soil like anchors, resting and waiting for spring.

Pines of all orders stand proud for those who have passed,
themselves resilient and diligent, they carry the honor of memory
that no disease can ever erase, even the fury of Labor Day
storm slicing trees to splinters does not diminish love.

The Weeping Beech, mother of us all, an umbrella to protect each,
she cries no tears of sadness, her leaves are shade and blanket
for generations; those who smelled apple and peach when all that stood
here was fruit, the echo of Onondagan footfalls travelling through before any
of us, and now, no matter age, skin, faith or feeling, citizens united in Thornden.

For more information about the Thornden Park Association contact Marilyn Zaleon at 422-1798.