The Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs is the sole local government agency charged specifically with providing recreation for city residents. Approximately 1,000 acres of parks, playgrounds and open spaces are included under the Department’s stewardship.

Our mission is to cultivate and sustain leisure programming while providing attractive parks that will enrich the quality of life, for both residents and visitors, as well as preserve it for future generations.

The Syracuse Parks Department is responsible for coordinating, administering, and staffing a variety of recreational, support, and special events programs. These goals are accomplished through Special Events, Senior Programs, Aquatics, Adult Programs, Ice Rinks, Golf, Youth Programs, Forestry and Grounds Divisions. The Department also has an Office of Graphics and an Office of Planning and Development that serve the public through capital improvements, community programs and the creation of signage and graphics for the parks.