News

• County Parks Win at Regional Awards Luncheon
  March 17, 2023 - Onondaga County Parks took home multiple honors at the 2023 Central New York Recreation and Parks Society (CNYRPS) Awards Luncheon held recently in Fulton.
• Parks Announces Winter Photo Contest Winners
  February 22, 2023 - Onondaga County Parks announced the winners of the Fifth Annual Onondaga County/Syracuse City Parks Winter Photo Contest today.
• It’s Maple Syrup Time at Beaver Lake Nature Center
  February 22, 2023 - It's Maple Syrup Time throughout the month of March at Beaver Lake Nature Center!
• County Parks Offering Lifeguard Certification Course
  February 8, 2023 - Onondaga County Parks is offering an American Red Cross Lifeguard Training and Certification Course beginning with a pre-screening skills evaluation in March at Jamesville-Dewitt Middle School Pool at 6280 Randall Road in Jamesville.
• Irish Road Bowling Tournament Returns to Onondaga Lake Park
  February 1, 2023 - Faugh A Ballagh!
• Valentine's in the Forest
  January 20, 2023 - One of Central New York's most unique Valentine's Day celebrations is returning to Highland Forest Park in Fabius next month.
• Final Week of the Lights on the Lake Season to Benefit Local Charities
  January 6, 2023 - The final week of Wegmans Lights on the Lake will benefit local non-profits within our community, courtesy of Bank of America.
• 2023 Parks Winter Photo Contest UNDERWAY
  January 3, 2023 - Onondaga County Parks is now accepting submissions for the Fifth Annual Parks Winter Photo Contest.
• 2023 Parks Winter Photo Contest Announced
  December 21, 2022 - Onondaga County Parks is excited to announce the 5th Annual Winter Photo Contest which will kick off on New Year's Day and run through January 31, 2023.
• Horsedrawn Sleighrides at Highland Forest Park
  November 29, 2022 - Beginning Saturday, December 17, Highland Forest Park will offer 20 minute horsedrawn sleigh rides (or wagon rides) through the parks picturesque woods.
• Asian Elephant Delivers Miracle Twins at Rosamond Gifford Zoo
  November 10, 2022 - The Rosamond Gifford Zoo has made history.
• 33rd Annual Lights on the Lake
  October 19, 2022 - Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and Galaxy Media Chief Operating Officer Carrie Wojtaszek announce that the 33rd season of Wegmans Lights on the Lake is scheduled to illuminate Onondaga Lake Park in Liverpool, November 14–January 13, 2023, from 5-10pm, nightly.
• New Director Appointed at Beaver Lake
  August 16, 2022 - Onondaga County Parks Commissioner Brian Kelley announced the appointment of Amanda Accamando as the new Director of Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville.
• Park Ranger Awarded Distinguished Service Bar
  August 1, 2022 - Kudos to Park Ranger Kevin DiGregorio on receiving a Distinguished Service Bar in recognition of his pursuit & apprehension of a suspect accused of making fraudulent withdrawals at several local banks.
• Spring Fishing Returns to Carpenter's Brook
  March 16, 2022 - Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery has been busy gearing up for trout fishing season which means the return of the popular Spring Fishing Program.Beginning Saturday, April 9, families, small groups and individuals will be able to enjoy a session of catch and release fishing fun at the facility.
• Volunteers Needed for Annual Trout Stocking
  March 14, 2022 - Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery is looking for volunteers to help staff stock fish in area streams, lakes and ponds.
• County Executive McMahon Announces Winners of Fourth Annual Parks Winter Photo Contest
  February 24, 2022 - County Executive Ryan McMahon today announced the winners of the Fourth Annual Onondaga County/Syracuse City Parks Winter Photo Contest.
• County Executive McMahon Announces “February Freebies” at Beaver Lake Nature Center & Highland Forest
  February 1, 2022 - County Executive Ryan McMahon today announced two new offers for Beaver Lake Nature Center and Highland Forest County Parks.
• 2022 Winter Photo Contest Announced
  December 16, 2021 - Onondaga County Parks is excited to announce the Fourth Annual Winter Photo Contest which will kick off on New Year's Day and run through January 31, 2022.
• Onondaga County Loop Trail Extension Project
  March 25, 2021 - Trail Closure/Detour Alert: Beginning April 5 and running through May 7 (weather depending) portions of the southwestern Onondaga Lake shoreline trail, specifically the pedestrian bridge over the CSX and New York Susquehanna & Western railroad tracks will be intermittently closed to users to allow completion of minor work elements.
• County Parks AND Syracuse City Parks Announces 2021 Winter Photo Contest
  January 28, 2021 - Onondaga County Parks is excited to announce the 2021 Winter Photo Contest which begins this week and for the first time will include Syracuse City Parks.
• New Parks Commissioner Announced
  November 5, 2020 - We are thrilled to announce the appointment, by unanimous approval of the County Legislature, of our new Parks Commissioner, Brian Kelley!
• County Executive Ryan McMahon announces 31st Season of Lights on the Lake and new online ticketing platform
  October 22, 2020 - Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and Galaxy Media Chief Operating Officer Carrie Wojtaszek announce that the 31st season of Wegmans Lights on the Lake is scheduled to illuminate Onondaga Lake Park in Liverpool, November 16–January 10, 2021 from 5-10pm, nightly.
• Jamesville Beach Opens for Swimming TODAY
  July 30, 2020 - For more information, call Jamesville Beach Park at (315) 435-5252 or visit www.OnondagaCountyParks.com.
• County Executive McMahon Announces Additional Closures; Staffing of County Buildings to be Reduced by Half
  March 16, 2020 - Click here to download the announcement from County Executive McMahon regarding measures to take effect as a result of the COVID-19 virus.
• County Executive Ryan McMahon Announces 2nd Annual County Parks Photo Contest
  December 31, 2019 - County Executive Ryan McMahon is excited to announce the 2nd Annual system-wide Onondaga County Parks Photo Contest will begin tomorrow, January 1, 2020.
• County Executive Ryan McMahon and Galaxy Media Announce 30th Season of Lights on the Lake
  October 15, 2019 - Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and Galaxy Media Chief Operating Officer Carrie Wojtaszek announce the 30th season of Wegmans Lights on the Lake is scheduled to illuminate Onondaga Lake Park this season, beginning on November 12th.“Once again Onondaga County is partnering with Galaxy Media to present the 30th season of Lights on the Lake,” said County Executive Ryan McMahon.
• Amur Leopard Cubs Go on Exhibit at Rosamond Gifford Zoo
  August 14, 2019 - The two baby Amur leopard cubs born at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo made their public debut today, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon announced.
• Rosamond Gifford Zoo Offers $1 Admission to Moms – and Dads – on Mother’s Day
  May 10, 2019 - In honor of Mother’s Day, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo will offer $1 admission for moms AND dads on Sunday, May 12, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon announced.
• Baby American Bison Calf Born at Rosamond Gifford Zoo
  May 9, 2019 - A baby American bison was born on exhibit at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo today, Thursday, May 9, while zoo visitors watched in awe.The mother bison, Sue, went into labor around 11 a.m.
• County Parks Win a Pair of Statewide Awards
  April 12, 2019 - Onondaga County Parks took home top honors at the 2019 New York Recreation & Park Society Awards Ceremony held this week in Lake Placid.
• County Parks Big Winners at Regional Awards Luncheon
  March 15, 2019 - Onondaga County Parks took home multiple honors at the 2018 Central New York Recreation and Parks Society Awards Luncheon held Friday, March 15, 2019 at Drumlins Country Club in Syracuse.
• County Parks Offering Lifeguard Certification Course
  February 4, 2019 - Onondaga County Parks is offering an American Red Cross lifeguard training and certification course beginning with a pre-screening skills evaluation on Saturday, February 16 at Jamesville-DeWitt Middle School.
• Baby Asian elephant born at Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, NY
  January 25, 2019 - A healthy baby elephant was born at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York, on Tuesday, January 15, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon announced today.The calf, a male, arrived at 5:30 a.m.
• County Executive Ryan McMahon Opens New Exhibition at Beaver Lake Nature Center
  January 17, 2019 - County Executive Ryan McMahon, II officially opened an all-new permanent exhibition today at Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville.
• County Executive Ryan McMahon Announces 1st Annual County Parks Photo Contest
  December 26, 2018 - County Executive Ryan McMahon, II announced the 1st Annual system-wide Onondaga County Parks Photo Contest.
• Zoo animals to receive holiday treats on Sunday, December 9
  December 5, 2018 - The animals at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo will get their holiday presents on Sunday, December 9, in the form of gift-wrapped boxes containing their favorite treats, among other items. The public is invited to Holidays with the Animals to see different animals – from primates to bison to tigers to otters – open, enjoy and/or eat their “gifts” as part of the zoo’s animal enrichment program.
• Syracuse zoo exhibits animal art to be auctioned November 16
  November 9, 2018 - The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is holding an art exhibit of 70 paintings created by animals leading up to its annual ‘Art Gone Wild!’ art sale and auction planned for Friday, November 16.
• Honeywell Sportsmen's Days
  September 6, 2018 - Honeywell Sportsmen's Days will be held at Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery in Elbridge on Saturday & Sunday, September 22 & 23 from 11am-5pm.The event was created as a tribute to National Hunting and Fishing Day and is one of the largest celebrations of its kind in New York State.
• Golden Harvest Festival Kicks Off Fall in CNY
  September 5, 2018 - The popular Golden Harvest Festival returns to Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville, NY on Saturday, September 8, 10 am - 6 pm and Sunday, September 9, 10 am - 5 pm.
• Vote for a name for Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s new baby monkey
  August 22, 2018 - A new baby patas monkey was born at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo on August 1, and the zoo is holding an online vote to name the baby.
• It’s twin boys! Baby red pandas born at Rosamond Gifford Zoo
  July 31, 2018 - County Executive Joanie Mahoney announced the birth of two new baby animals at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo today – twin red panda cubs born June 21.
• County Executive Joanie Mahoney Announces “Take a Book – Leave a Book” Program at County Parks
  July 9, 2018 - Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney announced today a new book exchange program called "Take a Book - Leave a Book".
• Grandparent/Grandchildren's Fishing Days
  July 5, 2018 - The popular Grandparent/Grandchild Fishing Days' program is returning to Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery, Mondays - Fridays, July 16 - July 27 from 10:00am - 12:00pm and 1:00 - 3:00pm.
• Reading Treasure Hunt at Beaver Lake
  June 20, 2018 - It's story time in the woods!
• National Trails Day
  May 30, 2018 - Beaver Lake Nature Center will be celebrating National Trails Day on Saturday, June 2.
• Camp Beaver Lake
  April 18, 2018 - Children can spend a week this summer immersed in the natural world of Beaver Lake Nature Center's 660 acre outdoor "classroom" when they attend the popular Camp Beaver Lake.Campers will hike, explore, canoe, observe, create natural crafts, play nature-related outdoor games and much more.
• The votes are in, and Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s new penguin chick’s name is …
  March 30, 2018 - Félix!
• Colossal dinosaurs to invade Syracuse Zoo for 101 days this summer
  March 21, 2018 - A gigantic exhibit of prehistoric proportions is coming to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo this summer.
• Volunteers Needed for Annual Trout Stocking
  February 13, 2018 - Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery is looking for volunteers to help staff stock fish in area streams, lakes and ponds.
• "Second Chance for Second Chance" at Lights on the Lake
  January 2, 2018 - Onondaga Lake Park's 28th Annual Lights on the Lake is scheduled to close on Sunday, January 7 following another spectacular season but Onondaga County is excited to announce that the show will remain open one additional night for a very special cause.
• Wreaths Across America
  November 27, 2017 - National program to honor veterans in Syracuse Onondaga County's Veterans Memorial Cemetery is proud to join the efforts of the national, nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) as an official wreath-laying location for 2017.
• 28th Season of Lights on the Lake
  October 23, 2017 - Lights on the Lake will be open to vehicles on New Year's Eve.
• Honeywell Sportsmen's Days at Carpenter's Brook
  September 6, 2017 - Honeywell Sportsmen's Days will be held at Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery in Elbridge on Saturday & Sunday, September 23 & 24 from 11am-5pm.
• Golden Harvest Festival Kicks Off Fall in Central New York
  August 28, 2017 - The popular Golden Harvest Festival returns to Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville, on Saturday, September 9, 10 am - 6 pm and Sunday, September 10, 10 am - 5 pm.
• Onondaga Lake Park Shore Stabilization Project
  August 21, 2017 - This closure will remain in effect 24-hours a day, through Friday, September 8.
• Parks Commissioner Wins Award
  March 3, 2017 - Congratulations to Parks Commissioner Bill Lansley who received the 2016 Central New York Recreation & Park Society "Outstanding Service Award" on Friday, March 3, 2017 in Liverpool.
• Rosamond Gifford Zoo Acquires Rare Clouded Leopard
  December 6, 2016 - The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is pleased to announce the addition of a rare clouded leopard.
• Lights on the Lake Closed Monday, November 21
  November 21, 2016 - Lights on the Lake, at Onondaga Lake Park, will NOT open tonight, Monday, November 21, due to the poor weather conditions.
• County Executive Joanie Mahoney and Galaxy Communications Announce 27th Season of Lights on the Lake
  November 3, 2016 - Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney and Galaxy Communications President Ed Levine announce the 27th season of Wegmans Lights on the Lake is scheduled to illuminate the park this season, beginning on November 16th.
• Zoo Presents Annual ‘Art Gone Wild!’ Animal Art Showcase Through November 18
  November 3, 2016 - The Rosamond Gifford Zoo, in conjunction with the zoo’s chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK), is hosting the seventh annual “Art Gone Wild!” exhibition now through Friday, November 18.
• Zoo Announces Birth of Red Panda Cubs, Celebrates International Red Panda Day This Saturday
  September 16, 2016 - In celebration of International Red Panda Day on September 17, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park is pleased to announce the birth of two red panda cubs.
• Bike Share Program Comes to Onondaga Lake Park
  September 8, 2016 - Central New York's most popular park, Onondaga Lake Park, has added a new Bike Share program to its selection of activities available to residents and visitors.
• New Elephant Pool Opens at Rosamond Gifford Zoo
  July 13, 2016 - Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney today joined Friends of the Zoo President & CEO Janet Agostini and Zoo Director Ted Fox for the official opening of the new elephant pool at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s premiere habitat, Asian Elephant Preserve.
• County Parks Awarded State Honors
  April 21, 2016 - Onondaga County Parks were big winners at the recent New York State Recreation and Park Society 2016 Awards and Recognition Ceremony held on Sunday, April 17 in Hauppauge, New York."Onondaga County Parks are some of the best parks in the country and these awards recognize our continuing efforts to improve," said County Executive Joanie Mahoney.
• Community Selects Name with ‘Orange Pride’ for Zoo’s Penguin Chick
  April 12, 2016 - And the winner is…Otto!
• Cast Your Vote and Help Name a Penguin Chick at the Zoo
  April 7, 2016 - Six endangered Humboldt penguin chicks have hatched at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo this season.
• Six Humboldt Penguin Chicks Hatch at the Zoo
  March 24, 2016 - County Executive Joanie Mahoney joined staff at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo today to announce that six Humboldt penguin chicks have hatched at the zoo this season.
• Parks Big Winners at Annual Awards Ceremony
  March 11, 2016 - County Parks staff, facilities and partners won a total of nine awards at the Central New York Parks and Recreation Society Annual Awards Ceremony on March 10 at Skyline Lodge, Highland Forest.
• Rosamond Gifford Zoo Adds Male Bison, Female Red Wolf to Wildlife Trails Exhibits
  December 9, 2015 - The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is pleased to announce the addition of a male American bison named Harley and a female red wolf named Cheyenne to exhibits in the zoo’s Wildlife Trails area.
• Rosamond Gifford Zoo Acquires Male African Lion
  November 23, 2015 - The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is pleased to announce the arrival of a male African lion named M’Wasi.
• County Executive Joanie Mahoney and Galaxy Communications Announce 26th Season of Lights on the Lake
  November 5, 2015 - Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney and Galaxy Communications President Ed Levine today announced that the 26th season of Wegmans Lights on the Lake is scheduled to illuminate the park this season, beginning on November 11.
• Lakeview Amphitheater Open House
  September 17, 2015 - All of Central New York is invited to a "Sunday in the Park" Community Open House at the new Lakeview Amphitheater on Sunday, September 27, 11am-3pm.
• Red Panda Cubs Born at Rosamond Gifford Zoo
  September 10, 2015 - The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of two red pandas.
• County Executive Joanie Mahoney Announces West Shore Trail is Open
  September 8, 2015 - Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney announced today that the West Shore Trail is open.
• Markhor Baby Boom at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo
  July 8, 2015 - The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is pleased to announce the addition of five markhor to its herd.
• Rosamond Gifford Zoo Acquires Pair of American Bison
  June 18, 2015 - The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is pleased to announce the addition of a pair of American bison to its animal collection.
• Community Invited to Vote on Asian Elephant Calf Name
  June 8, 2015 - The Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s new Asian elephant calf is a male born on May 12 to parents Mali and Doc.
• Baby Elephant Makes Public Debut at Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Naming Contest Begins
  May 26, 2015 - Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney joined staff at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo today to introduce the zoo’s newest resident to the public, a male Asian elephant calf born Tuesday, May 12.
• It's a BIG Boy! Successful Elephant Birth at Rosamond Gifford Zoo
  May 12, 2015 - Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney is pleased to announce that 18-year-old Asian elephant, Mali, has given birth to a healthy male calf.
• Zoo Announces Winners of Penguin Chick Naming Contest
  April 14, 2015 - The Rosamond Gifford Zoo today announced the two winning entries in its penguin chick naming contest.
• Zoo Invites Community to Vote on Penguin Chick Names
  April 7, 2015 - The Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s newest Humboldt penguin chicks, both female, hatched in January.
• Rosamond Gifford Zoo Announces Birth of Two North American River Otter Pups
  April 3, 2015 - The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is pleased to announce the births of two male North American river otter pups.
• Parks Commissioner Inducted into Hall of Fame
  March 6, 2015 - Parks Commissioner Bill Lansley was recently inducted into the The New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame.
• Syracuse Welcomes Masters Regatta & New Rowing Course
  March 5, 2015 - Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Masters Regional Championships scheduled for June could bring millions to local economy
• Lakeview Amphitheater Work To Begin
  January 15, 2015 - Portions of the West Shore Trail will be temporarily impacted by site work
• Chiefs Clinch Division Title, Playoff Tickets On Sale
  September 22, 2014 - The Syracuse Chiefs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, clinched their first division title since 1989 with a 6-2 win over the Pawtucket Red Sox on Saturday night from McCoy Stadium.
• Zoo Expecting ‘Big’ Delivery in 2015
  August 14, 2014 - County Executive Joanne Mahoney joined staff at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo today to share news that two of the zoo’s Asian elephants, Mali and Kirina, are expecting calves this coming year.“This is a milestone for our zoo’s Asian elephant program and its commitment to elephants in zoos and the wild as an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo’s premier exhibit, Asian Elephant Preserve, opened in 2011 in partnership with the Friends of the Zoo demonstrating our commitment to the elephant program.
• Zoo Celebrates Centennial Year, Unveils Compelling Vision for the Future
  May 6, 2014 - Onondaga County Executive Joanne Mahoney this afternoon unveiled plans to commemorate the Rosamond Gifford Zoo's centennial year and the results of a 13-month comprehensive strategic master planning process charting a roadmap for the zoo's future.
• Parks Commissioner named Conservationist of the Year
  April 16, 2014 - Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney today congratulated Onondaga County Parks Commissioner Bill Lansley on being named Conservationist of the Year by the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs at their annual awards banquet held Friday April 11, 2014.
• Mahoney Announces West Shore Trail Expansion Opening
  April 14, 2014 - Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney today announced the grand opening of the Onondaga Lake West Shore Trail Extension will be held on Sunday, May 18th.
• Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney Announces Public Meeting to Discuss Next Phase of the Onondaga Lake Trail System
  March 24, 2014 - Trail Extension will go from the State Fairgrounds to the Syracuse Creekwalk
• Beaver Lake Nature Center Identified as Macy's "Heart Your Park" Fundraising Program Recipient
  March 4, 2014 - Beaver Lake Nature Center has been selected for "Heart Your Park", a program introduced as part of Macy's "Secret Garden" campaign, that aims to raise awareness and dollars for local parks across the country.
• Trail Extension will go from the State Fairgrounds to the Syracuse Creekwalk
  March 4, 2014 - Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery is registering volunteers to help stock fish in area streams, lakes and ponds.
• Volunteers Needed for Annual Trout Stocking
  March 4, 2014 - Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery is registering volunteers to help stock fish in area streams, lakes and ponds.
• 2014 Color Me Rad Registration Now Open
  January 8, 2014 - Color Me Rad is returning to Onondaga Lake Park in Liverpool on Sunday, May 4, 2014 with a tsunami of color that'll make colored tears of joy run down your cheeks and will renew your will to live.
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• CNY to host Special Olympics New York State Games
  - The Special Olympics New York State Winter Games will take place February 21-23, 2014 in various venues throughout Syracuse.