For those spending the sweaty months in Syracuse, here are five swimming spots around central New York that will get you off of the steamy promenade. 

Green Lakes State Park  

Located about 10 miles east of Syracuse, Green Lakes State Park is home to two glacier lakes and an 18-hole golf course designed by architect Robert Trent Jones. The park also includes more than 17 miles of hiking trails and plenty of picnic areas to enjoy, said park manager Laura Tully.  

Tully said that people tend to gravitate to the beach that the lake settles on. There, people can swim in the fresh water. Those who prefer to stay drier can also rent out rowboats and kayaks. Kayak rentals vary based on type and rate, but range from $7 per hour to $20 per hour, as well as a cash deposit. Rowboats can be rented for $7 per hour or $4 per half-hour and include a $20 cash deposit.  

For those in need of a break from Syracuse’s day-to-day city life, Tully said the outdoors is key.  

“There is no better way to settle your mind than getting into nature,” said Tully. “Even if all you can do is go out and be in nature, it is so good for the mind and the soul.”  

Fillmore Glen State Park 

For those seeking an escape from the city of Syracuse, adventurers may want to take an hour drive southwest to Fillmore Glen State Park. The park is 941 acres and includes about 4.5 miles of hiking trails, with the most popular being the Gorge Trail, featuring three waterfalls along it. The park, named after the 13th United States President Millard Fillmore also includes a replica of the cabin he was born in, said park manager Jeffrey Zaia.  

The park also has an in-creek swimming area. Zaia said the creek is dammed up, but by June 15, it will be open for swimming. People can also jump in feet-first off of the wooden walkway.  

On Aug. 10, the park will host its bathtub race which contestants race their custom bathtubs down a street.  

During the springtime, red and white flowers can be found throughout the park, Zaia said. He added that parkgoers can spend the whole day in the nature. 

Amy Nakamura | Co-Digital Editor

Thornden Park Pool   

Measuring at 50 meters long and maxing at 7 feet deep, Thornden Park Pool is a quick spot to jump in for Syracuse University students looking to cool off during the summer season.  

Aquatics supervisor for the city of Syracuse Bernadette DeMott said Thornden is one of the city’s premier pools. The pool includes eight lanes to swim laps and a spray fountain for children. 

Public swim hours are Monday through Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m. starting Father’s Day weekend, Demott said.  

Along with the pool, Thornden is also home to an amphitheater where Shakespeare in the Park is commonly performed. “Richard III” will premiere at the theater from June 7-16. There are also fields for people to play soccer, football and softball, said Demott. 

Schiller Park Pool  

Another popular pool spot, Schiller Pool is nestled inside Schiller Park on the Northside of the city. The pool’s dimensions are 55 yards long by 25 feet wide and its deepest point is 12 feet. Schiller is also equipped with 10 lanes for lap swimming. Public pool hours are the same as Thornden Park Pool.  

For those looking to exercise their tennis skills, the park is also equipped with six tennis courts along with a softball diamond and a basketball court. 

But what makes Schiller particularly special is its city skyline view, Demott said.  

Oneida Shores Park 

For those looking for a retreat but lacking the funds or time to leave the Onondaga region, Oneida Shores Park may be the perfect staycation spot. 

Superintendent Gary Lopez, who has worked at the park for more than 20 years, said the park is maintained at 64 acres. Visitors can enjoy the beach along with other amenities including volleyball courts and boat launches. 

For avid fishers, Oneida Lake is the state’s largest inland lake, with bass and walleye fish being the most popular species found. Lopez said the lake hosts more than 40 different bass tournaments throughout the season.  

He said on any given weekend, a number of activities can occur that are accessible for all kinds of people. While the average depth of the lake is 22 feet, the swimming area is shallow enough to make it a family-friendly environment, said Lopez.  

For Lopez, a day on the lake may be the just the break people need away from the city.  

“It’s a different atmosphere than the hubbub or rushing around in the city,” Lopez said.  

Published on May 15, 2019 at 12:33 am