Onondaga Lake Park

This is one the larger and better parks in Syracuse. Because of that, it can be crowded, especially during one of those first few nice days. However, there is usually a nice place to sit and relax. They have a lot of amenities including an adapted playground for kids in wheelchairs, a skaeboard park, plenty of picnic areas, and a 2.5 mile bike path. The only bad thing is that the lake is polluted and can smell. more

Although this is one of the most polluted lakes in the United States of America, the park is still a great place to visit. There's a large picnic area full of shades to bring the family out for a nice day of grilling. There is a couple of playgrounds for the kids to enjoy themselvs. They just built a nice playground for kids to entertain themselves for hours. You can also take a ride around the park on a little tour for free. One bad thing is that the lake does smell for a little while in the summer when it turns. Other than that, it's a great place to take a relaxing stroll, or to ride bikes, or go rollerblading. In the winter time, they set up Lights on the Lakes, where there is a festival of lights that you drive through. more

I often travel to Onondaga Lake Park after work to get some exercise by walking or biking. Around half Onondaga Lake perimeter has paved pathways closed off to motor vehicles which create an ideal area for walking, biking, or roller blading. Plans to completely surround the lake with paths as well as connect to biking paths which run along the Erie canal are in the works for those who like to take long bike trips. The scenery of the lake is beautiful with mostly green area surrounding the lake and a view of the Syracuse city skyline at one end. Unfortunately years of industry have polluted the lake which make it unsuitable for swimming. In addition this sometimes causes an unpleasant odor to wash over the park. In addition, there are many geese make their homes here in the summer months which unfortunately brings with it a lot of geese waste. Watch your step if you are walking :). more