Parks, Trails, Recreation & Open Spaces

Town Parks

The Town of Ithaca Public Works Department maintains a system of twelve neighborhood parks, one community park, and several yet to be developed park sites.  These parks provide a range of recreational facilities including play structures, ballfields, playfields, grills, picnic tables, park benches, and walking trails.  The Town also maintains the playfield at the private Coddington Road Community Center, which is open to the public.  At Tutelo Park, Valentino Field is a regulation sized Little League field that is available for rent.  The Tutelo Park pavilion is also available for rent.  The Town also owns approximately 38 acres of parkland that is not currently developed for any active uses.

• Coddington Road Community Center Playfield
• Eastern Heights Park
• East Shore Park
• Forest Home Park
• Grandview Park
• Hungerford Heights Park
• Northview Park
• Salem Park
• Tareyton Park
• Troy Park
• Tudor Park
• Tutelo Park – Click here for the Tutelo Park plant walk
• Vincenzo Iacovelli Park
• West Hill Community Garden

Park / Trail Permit Application

A Park/Trail Permit is required in the Town of Ithaca for a picnic or other event by a group or organization of more than five people at Tutelo Park. Please call the Public Works department at 607-273-1656 to confirm availability before you fill out an application. A permit application should be provided to the Town of Ithaca Public Works Department at least 48 hours in advance of the event. Permits are issued on a first come – first served basis.  Please see the application form or Chapter 200: Parks and Recreation Areas (https://ecode360.com/8659366) of the Town Code for additional information regarding fees, security deposits, insurance requirements, and other requirements.

Permit requirements for organized gatherings at other Town of Ithaca parks will be determined on a case-by-case basis.  Please contact the Public Works Department.

Adopt-A-Park / Trail / Preserve Agreement

The Adopt-a-Park / Trail / Preserve program provides a fun opportunity for individuals, volunteer groups, neighborhood associations, and businesses to take an active role in the maintenance and improvement of the Town of Ithaca’s parks, trails, and preserves.  Your efforts help to keep these places clean for all to enjoy.  All we ask for is a two-year commitment and to have a clean-up a minimum of 2 times a year.  The Town provides safety vests, gloves, and garbage bags and will pick-up and dispose of the trash bags. 

To learn more about adopting your favorite park, trail or preserve, please contact the Town’s Parks Maintenance Manager at 607-273-1656 or fill out the application form above and return it to the Town of Ithaca Public Works Facility. 

Town Park and Trail Documents

Town of Ithaca Park and Trail Rules and Regulations

To enhance and promote the safety and enjoyment of everyone using the Town of Ithaca parks, trails, and facilities, and to assure that everyone has an equal opportunity in the use and enjoyment of such facilities, the Town has established various rules and regulations. 

For emergencies and for reports of suspicious activity, call 911.

• Parks and Trails are closed ½ hour after sunset and reopen at dawn.
• Young children should be appropriately supervised.
• Domesticated household pets are allowed in Town Parks and Trails if in a cage or on a leash. Owners shall clean up after them.
• Bicycle and pedestrian traffic shall keep to the right on all trails, except for passing.
• No firearms, hunting, trapping, camping, motorized vehicles, or unreasonable noise is permitted.  Fires are not permitted except for in the charcoal picnic grills maintained by the Town.
• Town Parks and Trails are carry-in / carry-out facilities.

For a complete list of all park and trail rules, see Chapter 200: Parks and Recreation Areas of the Town of Ithaca Code.

For emergencies and for reports of suspicious activity, call 911.