There are so Many Great Places to Gather OUTSIDE in Downtown Syracuse!
Clinton Square
Downtown Syracuse is a four-season desintation. Clinton Square is the place to gather as this massive space brings together people from the community and beyond. During the spring and summer months, the iconic fountain is a welcoming landmark, as a series of fun festivals come alive from May through September. In the winter months -- with the City of Syracuse’s Tree Lighting ceremony serving as the official kick-off to the season -- ice skating attracts thousands of families each year.
Just across South Salina Street from Clinton Square, Hanover Square features another special fountain. Bound between East Water, South Warren Streets and East Genesee Streets in Downtown’s oldest neighborhood, the green space is surrounded by more than 100 years of architecture. Hanover Square has played an important role in Syracuse’s commercial development since 1880.
Fayette Firefighters Memorial Park
Fayette Firefighters Memorial Park, located in Downtown East, is Downtown’s largest open public green space. Often referred to as Fayette Park, the 1.2 acre park honors Syracuse’s bravest with three memorials for fallen firefighters.
M. Lemp Park, situated on the corner of South Warren and East Fayette streets, is one of Downtown’s newest green spaces. With unique features including musical instruments as part of Symphoria’s sound stops and benches where many people enjoy lunch, the setting has become a popular lunchtime retreat for Downtown neighbors and employees. It’s also one of the best places to become acquainted with Downtown’s furriest residents. Lemp Park is a popular meeting place for Downtown’s dogs -- particularly around lunchtime and in the early evening hours.
Armory Square Park, nestled in the heart of Armory Square on the corner of Walton and South Franklin streets, features a replica of the NBA’s 24-second shot clock. The invention is an important piece of Syracuse history. First used here in 1954, the shot clock changed the game of basketball and is credited with saving the National Basketball Association.
Onondaga County Creekwalk
Perseverance Park, located along S. Salina Street between Washington and W. Fayette streets, this areas includes new benches, tree grates, planters, benches and landscaping.
Columbus Circle, marked with the Columbus Monument and Fountain, is a prominent landmark in Downtown’s Cathedral Square neighborhood. The 11-foot bronze statue was sculpted in Florence, Italy. When it was erected in 1934, a crowd of 40,000 people gathered around the circle. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Columbus Circle and the buildings immediately surrounding the circle, form one of the City of Syracuse’s Preservation Districts.
The Onondaga County Creekwalk is a 2.6 mile pathway, designed for bicyclists and pedestrians, connecting Downtown Syracuse to the southern shore of Onondaga Lake. The Creekwalk begins in Armory Square, behind the Museum of Science and Technology (The MOST). At the trailhead, passersby will find a free outdoor fitness park, promoting active and healthy lifestyles.
