THORNDEN PARK ASSOCIATION

Since 1921, Thornden Park has been the jewel of the city’s east side. With its forested and open spaces, playground and ballfields, outdoor amphitheatre and stunning rose garden, Thornden Park is a place for people of all ages to gather, play and enjoy the outdoors.

The Thornden Park Association was founded in 1983 to advocate for, restore, and revitalize Thornden Park, a seventy-six acre historic landscape situated within the complex and diverse University Neighborhood in Syracuse, New York.

Save the Date!

Thornden Park Swag
Available for purchase at the upcoming
29th Annual Chili Bowl Festival
March 1, 2026
11:30am-3:00pm
Thornden Park Field House

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped keep Thornden Park beautiful this year! Together we clocked in close to

500 hours

of volunteer effort in the park.

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New Walking Trail Under Development

Great progress was made this year on the new Thornden Park walking trail.

Expected completion date: Spring 2026!

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WE WANT YOU...to join Thornden Park Association as a Sponsor!
The Chili Bowl Fest is the major fundraiser for the Thornden Park Association, which uses its resources and volunteers to keep Thornden Park a vibrant part of Syracuse.
All proceeds support the work of restoration and revitalization. Our plans include restoration of the Carriage House pathway, developing a walking trail through the park, maintaining the Field House, and supporting the growing interest in Public Art in the park.
TPA directly supports playground improvements and youth sports such as the Bulldogs Cheerleading & Pop Warner Football, the Aquathon, and Discovery Day Camp- ensuring Syracuse’s beautiful 76-acre historic park is a welcoming and active space for all children.
On behalf of our beautiful and diverse park community,
Kate Auwaerter & Sondra Roth
TPA President Chair, Chili Bowl Fest
Thornden Park Association is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization.

The Return of the Thornden Park Chili Bowl Festival! Sunday, March 1st from 11:30AM-3PM at the Thornden Park Field House. Featuring music by the Allen Fellows Project and a chili menu designed by Chef Billy-Brendan Ginty, with vegan, kid-friendly, chicken, beef, and Gianelli sausage chilis. #savethedate #lovethepark #eatthechili #syracuse

Get your Thornden Park gear in time for the holidays!
Thornden Park
Holiday Pop-Up Market
Saturday, December 13, 10AM-2PM
New colors, new styles!
All proceeds from Thornden Park merchandise go back to the maintenance and revitalization of the park.

Just in time for holiday gift giving! Come to the Thornden Park Holiday Pop-Up Market, Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10AM-2PM in the Thornden Park fieldhouse (next to the football field). Thornden Park sweatshirts, t-shirts, beanies, caps, aprons are available for purchase plus notebooks, cards and art prints by local artist bharatiiiyanari!

Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? Come to the first annual Thornden Park Association Pop-Up Holiday Market. Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10AM-2PM in the Thornden Park Fieldhouse (next to the football field). Thornden Park sweatshirts, t-shirts, beanies, caps, aprons in new colors and styles will be available for purchase just in time for the holidays!

Congratulations, Miranda! The Preservation Association of CNY has awarded TPA founder Miranda Hine the Dean Biancavilla Award for her tireless work to preserve, restore, and revive Thornden Park!
Come celebrate Miranda's many achievements with us on Friday, 12/5 at the PACNY Awards, St. Paul's Church, 310 Montgomery St, Syracuse. Reception begins at 4pm, program begins at 5:30pm. For more information and tickets go to: https://pacny.net/2025-annual-preservation-awards/
(Photo courtesy of Zach Barlow)

Enjoy live, local music at the BareRoots Music Festival this Saturday, 9/13 from 3-8pm at the Thornden Park Amphitheater.

Live music, local art mart, food & drink! To learn more and get your free ticket go to: https://www.barerootsfestival.com/

City Parks is bringing Movie Night to Thornden Park!
Come see Milo & Stitch this Friday, 9/12, at 7pm in the beautiful Thornden Park amphitheater.

Yikes! The carriage house planting beds need some TLC! Come help us tidy up in time for the upcoming summer kids camps in the park. We will be weeding from 9:30AM to 11:00ish on Saturday, June 21. We have a trunk full of tools to share; all we need is YOU! 🌼
The carriage house is located on your left as you enter the park from Madison Street.

The lilies are returning to the Thornden Park lily pond! Thanks, Trevor Hart, for braving the chilly water last Saturday morning. He got two in. More lilies coming soon!
Next gardening session is this Saturday, June 21 at 9:30-11:00AM. Meet at the carriage house (on your left as you come in from the Madison Street entrance).

Love to garden? Come join us for a Saturday morning gardening session at Thornden! We meet most Saturdays during the summer from 9:30-11:00AM. We have tools, gloves, rakes...only thing missing is you!
Next session: Saturday, June 14 at 9:30AM. Meet at the Lily Pond.

Find out what's new for 2025 in Thornden Park! Join us this Wednesday, 6/4, in the Thornden Park Fieldhouse for our Annual Meeting. Dinner starts at 5:30pm, followed by a short report, and then a conversation with Parks Commissioner Syeisha Byrd. All are welcome!

Even more raffle prizes for Sunday, March 2 at the Chili Bowl Festival ❤️

These local businesses and cultural institutions are truly invested in our community. And we are truly grateful!

🌶️ THANK YOU, CHILI BOWL SPONSORS! 🌶️

Our hearts (and bowls) are FULL thanks to the incredible sponsors who made the Thornden Park Chili Bowl Festival a spicy success!

🌟 Your support helps keep this 76-acre East Side gem vibrant and thriving—bringing neighbors together, supporting community projects, and making sure this beloved park remains a place for all to enjoy. 💚🌳

Shoutout to our amazing sponsors—this event wouldn’t be the same without you! 👏👏

Thank them tomorrow if you see them and show them some love, and let’s keep the Thornden Park magic alive! ✨ #ThankYou #ChiliBowlFestival #ThorndenPark #SyracuseNY #CommunityPowered

Since 1921, Thornden Park has been the jewel of the city’s east side. With its forested and open spaces, playground and ballfields, outdoor amphitheater and stunning rose garden, Thornden Park is a place for people of all ages to gather, play and enjoy the outdoors.

The Thornden Park Association was founded in 1983 to advocate for, restore, and revitalize Thornden Park, a seventy-six acre historic landscape situated within the complex and diverse University Neighborhood in Syracuse, New York.

We are excited and delighted by all the local organizations and businesses that support the park! Join in and enjoy the raffle this Sunday!

Raffle tickets are $2 each or six tickets for $10.

Tell all your friends!

March 2nd from 11:30AM-3PM
Thornden Park Chili Bowl Festival will be rocking out with music from the The Allen Fellows Project, and five exciting chilis with more vegan toppings!

Chef Billy-Brendan Ginty will be serving up 🥣

Syracuse Chili: a classic chili made with Gianelli Sausage, beer, and Dino BBQ spices. (Meat)

Field House Chili: a beef and dark red kidney beans, seasoned with herbs, red wine, and dijon mustard. (Meat & Gluten-free)

Chef Ginty's Chicken Chili: a creamy chili with chicken, red bell peppers, onion, and garlic with cheddar cheese. (Meat & Dairy)

Westcott Red Bean Chili: a homage to the hippies that made Westcott bloom, this spicy and savory chili is made with red beans with a rich tomato base. (Vegan & Gluten-free)

Ris' Chili: a kid-friendly chili, mild and delicious with black beans, kidney beans, mushrooms, corn, and lots of hidden veggies. Seriously scrumptious. (Vegan & Gluten-free)

Family-friendly, Heated Outdoor seating, Raffle prizes
Chili Platters
Homebrewed Root Beer
Kids Meals
Quarts to Go

SAVE THE DATE!
Thornden Park Chili Bowl Festival is coming Sunday, March 2nd from 11:30AM-3PM featuring Chili Platters with Gluten-free/Vegan/Meat options. Menu by Chef Billy-Brendan Ginty. Live Music by the Allen Fellows Project.

All proceeds from the Chili Bowl Fest support the work of restoration and revitalization of historic Thornden Park.

The event features Raffle Prizes and Kid Activities. Shout out to @apocuse for their wonderful volunteer work supporting the park!

Enjoy delicious chili with Indoor Seating & Heated Outdoor Seating. Take-Out options are available.

#lovethepark #eatthechili #APO #chilifest #thorndenpark

New year, new colors!!! Introducing our t-shirts in limited editionDesert Rose and Desert Tan (available in S & M). We will have our t shirts in all sizes from XS to 2XL, & our hoodies, totes, & hats 🌳🍂🪵🌻

Find our booth at the Westcott Street fair this Sunday, 9/22 12-6!

@apocuse Thornden Park LOVES you!

Thank you for all the incredible volunteer work making the Chili Bowl Festival a wildly successful event. Your service keeps Thornden Park beautiful and green for the whole community!

#APO #amazing #thorndenpark

Thank you to the Thornden Park Chili Bowl Sponsors...your support makes the work to restore and revitalize this 76 acre historic park possible, benefitting the neighborhood and the Syracuse community!

LOVE the Park? Consider becoming a sponsor in 2025!
Carol Simson
@syracuseu Office of Community Engagement
@coopfed
@wegmans
@armoured_one
Ron Ehrenreich & Sondra Roth
G&L Meat Co
George Curry
peachy_clean_llc
UNPA - University Neighborhood Preservation Association
@pricechopper
Price Chopper Supermarkets
Steve Stehman
Martha & Peter Thompson
@syracuseshakespeare
Syracuse Shakespeare In The Park
Peter Ensminger & Lisa Warnecke
Dale Avers
Jack Graver
Joe & Ann Gibson
Gwyn & Phil Olenych

Join us this Sunday, March 3, from noon-3pm at the Thornden Park Field House. See you there!

It's almost Chili Time!
Thornden Park Association's Chili Bowl Festival, Sunday, March 3, noon-3pm at the Thornden Park Fieldhouse.

Only A Month Away!
27th Annual Thornden Park Chili Bowl Fest, Sunday, March 3 from noon to 3pm, Thornden Park Fieldhouse.

Something missing from your holidays? Wish you had something cozy for your family walks? 🌲❄️☃️

The Thornden Park Association Online Store is open for a limited time! Closing on Friday Jan 5th 2024!

Order online; orders will be produced starting Feb 2024 for pickup. Click the link in our bio.

TODAY is the Westcott Cultural Street Fair! We can’t wait to see you and show off our new accessories! 🍳🧳🧢

NEW totes, aprons, & hats for every occasion!

Cool autumn nights… morning walks amongst the Thornden trees…no matter where, keep cozy with our NEW hoodies! 🪵🍁

Available in premium fabric & zip-up options, in our new nature-inspired color palette. Available at the Westcott Street Fair this Sunday, October 1st!

$45 each!

Ready to get your fall fitness on? We are so excited to show off these new exercise versions of the classic Thornden Park shirt! 🏃‍♀️🌳🏋️‍♀️

Available in women’s (fitted), unisex, and tank tops in a variety of colors. Stop by our tent during the Westcott Street Fair this Sunday 10/1 12:00-6:00!

Long Sleeve 1/4 Zip for $30, Tank Tops for $25!

We are ready for the Westcott Street Fair, we hope to see you there! NEW t-shirts with new nature-inspired colors. Perfect for layering in this gorgeous fall weather 🍂☀️🎃

Selling for $20!

Friday night is Movie Night in Thornden Park!
Bring a chair or blanket, grab a hotdog and some popcorn, and enjoy a movie under the stars. Concessions open at 7pm, movie starts 8:15pm.

Mark your calendars! Thornden Park MOVIE NIGHT is coming, Friday, September 8. Concessions open at 7pm with I Am Legend (PG 13) beginning at 8:15pm. Hope to see you there!

Thank you to all the amazing SUNY ESF students who came out for a Day of Service in Thornden Park this morning. We got a ton done around the Carriage House, Herb Garden, Rose Garden and we even planted four new lilacs in the Lilac Grove. Great work!

Shakespeare In the Park brings WEST SIDE STORY to the Thornden Park Amphitheater! Saturday evening at 5:30pm and Sunday at 2pm.
Get your FREE tickets here:
https://ssitp.ticketleap.com/ssitps-west-side-story/

Pops in the Park welcomes TrumpTight 315 to the Thornden Park Amphitheater, Wednesday, July 26.
The Parks & Rec van arrives at 5pm with games and activities for the whole family. Music by TrumpTight 315 begins at 6pm. Come and enjoy another beautiful evening in the park!

This Wednesday evening, July 19, Pops in Park presents Jamel Lorick in the Thornden Park Amphitheater!
Bring a blanket or chair, pack a picnic dinner, kick back and enjoy! The Mobile Recreation team will be onsite 5 to 7 p.m. with games and activities. Music starts at 6 p.m.

It's summer at last --the Thornden Park Pool is open!
Hours: Monday-Saturday noon-6pm
Sunday 1pm-6pm

Thanks @syracuseparksrec!!

This past Thursday, twenty-three Mandela Scholars joined us to weed, remove stumps and clear brick paths around the Lily Pond. The scholars are in Syracuse for a 6-week Leadership Institute at SU's Maxwell School. Thank you for your hard work in the blistering heat!

As part of ESF’s Saturday of Service, today a group of 14+ ESF Freshmen worked alongside community members and gave some much needed tender, loving, care to Thornden’s historic Weeping Beech. Hidden by its cascading (weeping) branches, they removed an amazing amount of weed growth. Years ago the Thornden Park Association unsuccessfully attempted to get the tree nominated on the register of historic trees. Maybe it is time to try again. We thought you would enjoy reading this excerpt from our Historic Walking Tour Brochure.

“As long ago as 1913, the Syracuse Herald claimed the Thornden Weeping Beech (Fagus pendula) was, "the largest of its sort in the world, reaching a height of thirty feet, a spread of sixty feet and covering more than 2,500 square feet!” If the tree was indeed 70 years old in 1913, as this article claims, it must have been planted in the 1840’s, which would mean it predates both Davis and Haskin.
After Thornden became a city park, the weeping beech was nicknamed by neighborhood children the “elephant” or “umbrella” tree. Perhaps it was called “elephant” because the tree’s thick gray trunk resembles an elephant's foot. In the 1930’s, the trunk of this tree became a favorite surface on which young lovers carved their initials, and at that time, it was fenced to prevent people from further damaging the tree. A sign on the fence read, “I pray you, mar no more trees by writing love songs on the bark.” The “umbrella” nickname derives from the fact that when you stand near the trunk of the tree, you are enclosed and protected by a cascade of leaves and branches that reach the ground, creating its own special world.
In March 2013 one large section of the tree was felled by old age and a strong gust of wind. The fallen trunk brought down a smaller tree nearby, which the Thornden Park Association had planted in 2000 to eventually be the larger tree’s replacement. Luckily two sections of the tree remain as a favorite spot for children from the nearby Discovery Camp to go and lie under its branches.”

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Join us this Saturday May 14 and next Saturday May 21 at the Lily Pond anytime from 10-12.

Last week we started mulching the Lily Pond. Swipe to see the after

The lilac grove is in full bloom. Check out the heavenly smells and flowers this week.

#thorndenpark #springishere #syr #syracuse

It’s an absolutely beautiful morning in Thornden Park. There is still time to learn about how to volunteer in the park. Join us anytime between 10 and 11am.

#thorndenpark #earthday #syracuse

@novemberprojectsyracuse thanks so much for inviting us to your Earth Day cleanup. The hill around the water tower looks amazing. Found items include a couch cushion, sled, and that baby pool.

Saturday, April 9th 10 - 12 noon Total 58 hours. A group of 20 students from the Alpha Phi Alpha and Delta Zeta came to help us in Thornden Park on a chilly Saturday morning and contributed 48 hours to our total. Rain threatened but we lucked out! Eight students weeded flower beds in the Rose Garden with members of the Syracuse Rose Society. They managed to clear four huge beds! The rest of the students worked with community volunteers from the Thornden Park Association (Kate Auwaerter, Matt Oja, Athena Mandros and Miranda Hine) up at the Lily Pond. They cleared brick pathways, staircases and did an amazing job edging the paths.

Our next session will be:
Saturday, April 30, 1:00 - 3:30 Orange Seeds, Alexis Taylor Schneider
We are expecting 20+ students and will divide this group between the Rose Garden and the rest of the park. Do join us.

The 2022 volunteer work in Thornden Park has started. 5 Members of the Alpha Phi Omega service organization at Syracuse University came to help the Syracuse Rose Society clear leaves from the beds around the perimeter of the gardens. A huge job! Lots of raking and carting wheelbarrows full of leaves to the curb. It was a chilly morning. Thank you!

Thank you Westcott neighborhood and the greater Syracuse community for coming out to the annual Chili Bowl festival at Thornden Park! We had a beautiful day for it this year and had so much fun! A very special thanks to Chef Ginty and crew for bringing you all the delicious chili’s and to Syracuse University students for serving the food, painting faces, facilitating the raffle and helping set up! Finally, thank you TPA board members (especially Sondra Roth) for putting on another great event! See you next year.

Stay tuned for more TPA events (movie nights!) coming up this summer! ☀️

This year’s chili’s were delicious! The sampler platter was the way to go. 😋🌶🥄 #thorndenchilifest

A long line full of hungry bellies! @chefginty really outdid himself this year! #thorndenpark #thorndenchilifest

Chili Bowl Fest is underway at Thornden Park! The sun is shining and the chili is hot! Come on out! #chilifest #thorndenpark #thorndenchilifest

Movie Night #2 is up tonight! Tonights show is the classic comedy, Spaceballs! Bring your chairs and blankets. The Thornden Park Bulldogs will be holding concessions with popcorn, candy, soda and more. See you soon! 🍿🍫🍭📽

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