ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – Officials from Friends of Stewart Park, the Wharton Studio Museum, local and state government, and more gathered at Stewart Park for the official presentation of $500,000 in funding.

Plenty of thanks and congratulations were given on a mild Thursday afternoon that had everyone in attendance looking to the future with optimism. For those involved in the two revitalization projects, the money coming from New York State Economic Development Funds is just another step towards the culmination of years of work. Friends of Stewart Park Executive Director Rick Manning spoke about the $250,000 for the playground project.

Friends of Stewart Park Board President Diana Riesman is also the executive director of the Wharton Studio Museum. She discussed what the pavilion expansion will entail.

Riesman also shared plans for the space being freed up in the Wharton Studio Museum.

Both Manning and Riesman thanked many involved with this and other projects over the years, including 125th District Assemblymember Anna Kelles, who they say was a great help in securing the funding. Kelles shared that she attended Stewart Park Day Camp in her youth and said these kinds of projects are vital in pandemic recovery and beyond.

Rick Manning said they’re hopeful construction will begin in the fall in time to open for the 2024 season.