ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – Stewart Park is getting half a million dollars for two revitalization projects.

The money comes from New York State Economic Development Funds and is being allocated by the NYS State assembly, in part, due to the advocacy of New York State District 125 Assemblymember Anna Kelles.

The first project will complete the park’s playground constructed in 2020. A new accessible splash pad and seasonal bathroom building is coming. The splash pad is bigger, more engaging, and more water efficient. The restroom facility will have a gender-neutral/family bathroom with a changing station as well as men’s and women’s rooms.

The second project is an addition to the large picnic pavilion to house Stewart Park Day Camp equipment, currently being stored in the historic Wharton Studio/DPW building. The project will provide safer and more convenient access to equipment for campers and staff. It also paves the way for future development of the Wharton Studio Park Center to house exhibits about the studio’s role in early moviemaking in America. That development also includes a café with terraces overlooking the lake.

“Stewart Park has been a jewel of the Finger Lakes for more than a century, providing families and visitors enjoyment along Cayuga Lake,” said Assemblymember Anna Kelles. “The collaboration between Friends of Stewart Park, the City of Ithaca, Wharton Studio Museum, Tompkins County, and New York State to provide two vital enhancements to the park will expand access, beauty, and joy.”

Friends of Stewart Park has been working with the City of Ithaca, the Wharton Studio Museum, and other community partners to restore and improve Stewart Park since 2011.

“We are grateful to New York State for its past support of important park improvement projects such as the Stewart Park Playground and restoration of the iconic Cascadilla Boathouse, and now the splash pad and future Wharton Studio Park Center,” said Friends of Stewart Park Executive Director Rick Manning. “We greatly appreciate Assemblymember Kelles’ interest and commitment to the park.”