Utica Parks and Parkway Historic District facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Utica Parks and Parkway Historic District
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic district
Bathhouse archway in the district
Location in New York Show map of New York Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Parkway and Pleasant St, Utica, New York
Area	625 acres (253 ha)
Built	1909
Architect	Olmsted, Frederick Law Jr.; Whiting, Edward C.
NRHP reference No.	08000594
Added to NRHP	July 03, 2008

The Utica Parks and Parkway Historic District is a special area in Utica, New York. It's like a big, connected system of parks and a road. This district includes a historic road called the Memorial Parkway. It also connects three large parks: Roscoe Conkling Park, F.T. Proctor Park, and T.R. Proctor Park.

This area has many interesting features. You can find seven historic buildings and 26 structures. There are also three important sites and five objects. The entire park and parkway system was planned between 1908 and 1914. It was designed by a famous group called Olmsted Brothers Landscape Associates. This group was led by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr.. The Utica Zoo is also located inside Roscoe Conkling Park.

This historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. This means it's a very important place to protect.

History of Utica's Parks

In 1905, a man named Thomas R. Proctor made a big announcement. He said he would give land to the city of Utica for everyone to use. Because of his kindness, July 9th was named 'Proctor Day'. People celebrated with parades and special parties in the parks.

The famous Olmsted family designed these parks for Utica. This family also designed the Emerald Necklace in Boston. They also created the well-known Central Park in New York City. The parks they designed in Utica are Frederick T. Proctor, Thomas R. Proctor, and Roscoe Conkling Parks. Today, these city parks are used for many fun things. People enjoy sports, public events, and even fundraisers here.

Frederick T. Proctor Park: A City Oasis

Frederick T. Proctor Park is found at Rutger Street and Culver Avenue. It covers about 62 acres of land. This park is great for people of all ages. You can walk, run, rollerblade, or ride your bike here. It's often called the "crown jewel" of the parks. This is because it's the smallest park in the Utica Parks and Parkway system.

The park feels like a peaceful countryside escape in the city. It has a beautiful lily pond and a colorful butterfly garden. You can also find bathhouses, stone staircases, and old sculptures. Many stone buildings in the park were added later. They were built during the WPA era. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) started in 1935. It was a national program that helped build many structures.

A creek called Starch Factory Creek flows through this park. It also goes through T. R. Proctor Park. Many children love to play in this creek during spring and summer. Frederick T. Proctor Park is also known for its lovely woods. It has many trees and flowers. These were planted by local garden clubs and volunteers. The park hosts many events, from birthday parties to Fourth of July celebrations. People in Utica enjoy fireworks here every Independence Day. The park also has wine gatherings. These events help raise money and awareness for Utica's park system.

Thomas R. Proctor Park: Sports and Fun

Thomas R. Proctor Park is right next to F. T. Proctor Park. It's located at Culver Avenue and Welshbush Road. This park has 100 acres of land. It's perfect for sports lovers. You'll find baseball and soccer fields here. There are also basketball courts and a playground. A running trail is available for those who like to exercise.

Judge Buckley Pool is across the street from the park. It's open to the public during the summer. You can swim there from Monday to Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Many exciting events happen at this park. One big event is the two-day Redeemer Cup soccer tournament. This tournament brings together over a thousand people. They come from different communities across the city. Thomas R. Proctor Park is used by local colleges, schools, and individuals.

Roscoe Conkling Park: Nature and Activities

Roscoe Conkling Park is a very large park. It's located on Oneida Street and the Memorial Parkway. It covers a huge 625 acres. This was the first park the Proctor brothers developed in 1909. They designed it to make Utica look more natural and peaceful.

With its beautiful views, it's a major part of the city. The park includes the famous Utica Zoo. It also has the Valley View Golf Course. You can find the Val Bialas Ski and Sled Chalet here too. The Parkway Recreation Center and John Mott Tennis Courts are also part of it. There are also South Woods switchback trails and several monuments.

The Utica Zoo is a popular spot. It has over 200 animals on 40 acres of land. Drivers often see deer along the Memorial Parkway. The zoo hosts many fun events all year. These include Eggstravaganza, Wine in the Wilderness, Brewfest, and Spooktacular.

Valley View Golf Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones. Golfers of all skill levels use its three fields. The Val Bialas Ski and Sled Chalet is named after Olympian ice skater Valentine Bialas. It offers a rope tow, chair lift, and night skiing. There's also an ice rink and a chalet with snacks. It has five ski trails of different difficulty levels. There's also a separate hill for sledding.

The Parkway Recreation Center is also called the Edward A. Hanna Recreation Center. It has two basketball courts and a playground. You can find a weight training station and exercise equipment. There's also a walking track and tennis courts. It has a computer room and a conference area. The Utica Sport Hall of Fame is also located here. This center is also used by the Utica Boys & Girls Club and the Parkway Senior Center. Basketball tournaments called “Hoops & Dreams” are held here. Roscoe Conkling Park also has many memorials and statues, like the Eagle Monument.

Memorial Parkway: A Road of History

The Memorial Parkway is a special road. It's divided for most of its length. It has a wide grassy area in the middle. East of Mohawk Valley Community College, the two sides of the road join. East of the Utica Armory, it becomes Culver Avenue. Along the Memorial Parkway, you can find many monuments. They honor important people and events.