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TPA Board Members Cindy Swatt and Sondra Roth pictured at the 2024 Chili Bowl Festival 

THORNDEN PARK ASSOCIATION

The Thornden Park Association was founded in 1983 to advocate for, restore and revitalize Thornden Park, a seventy-six-acre historic landscape. Over its more than 40-year history the Association has restored gardens and buildings and held countless events such as its annual Chili Bowl Festival, Aquathon,

Garden Tours, and Movie Nights. 

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The board meets monthly to advance its efforts to ensure that Thornden Park offers a welcoming environment that is responsive to the needs of the community. If you are interested in volunteering or participating on the board, please get in touch. 

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FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS LETTER 2025

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

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Thornden Park Association invites you to the 28th Annual Chili Bowl Festival. Chili Bowl Fest is a great way to reconnect with neighbors and friends and enjoy tasty bowls of chili, homebrewed root beer, cornbread, and cookies in the lovely, wintry Thornden Park. Catered by local talent Chef Billy-Brendan Ginty- with expanded vegan toppings, vegetarian & kid friendly chili! Join us on Sunday, March 2nd to celebrate camaraderie and community in Thornden Park.

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When: Sunday March 2nd, 2025 from 11:30am-3pm

Location: Thornden Park Field House

Event: Kid and Family Friendly - Outside Dining with heaters and seating. Indoor Dining also available.

Raffle for local arts and culture prizes, sports events and restaurants.

Quarts of Chili for TAKE-AWAY will also be available.

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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 in historic Thornden Park. Our plans include restoration of the Carriage House pathway, renovation of the popular basketball courts, support for ever growing interest in public art in the park.

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We directly support 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.

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Support the TPA by joining us on March 2 for fun afternoon of great food, friends, family and community.  We look forward to seeing you there! 

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

Thornden Park Association's efforts to improve the Park have not been possible without grants, donations, and the assistance of the Syracuse Parks Department.

RESTORATION OF THE CARRIAGE HOUSE

NOMINATED THORNDEN PARK TO THE STATE AND NATIONAL REGISTERS OF HISTORIC PLACES

RECEIVED GRANTS FOR BIKE RACKS & EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

REPLANTED THE LILY POND AND THE LILAC GROVE

UNCOVER AND MAINTAIN HISTORIC BRICK PATHWAYS

HOLD ANNUAL CHILI BOWL FESTIVAL

SPONSOR EVENTS SUCH AS AQUATHON, GARDEN TOURS AND MOVIE NIGHTS

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