ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) – Improvement work at an iconic park in Ithaca is progressing.

On Monday, September 23, 2024, officials from Ithaca, Tompkins County, and more broke ground on an addition to the historic Stewart Park Large Pavilion. First built in 1894, the Friends of Stewart Park group has led the charge to restore the pavilion over the last decade.

Assemblymember Anna Kelles helped to secure $250,000 in state funding in February 2023. Since then, State Senator Lea Webb delivered a $120,000 CREST grant, and about $95,000 was raised from private donors.

The new space will be used for Stewart Park Summer Day Camp equipment storage, which allows the nearby Wharton Studio Museum to develop an exhibit space and lakefront cafe. Friends of Stewart Park Board President and Wharton Studio Executive Director Diana Riesman detailed the renovation work to WHCU last year.

The addition is expected to be completed by Spring 2025.