Syracuse maintains a very fine system of parks to add to the recreational opportunities enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. The anchor of the system is Lakeside Park which is located on the North Shore of Syracuse Lake. A public beach is available here plus a municipal pier is located nearby. The other parks in the system include Crosson Mill, Henry Ward and Hoy Beach, a small neighborhood beach.
Lakeside Park
Lakeside Park dates back to the 1930's when undeveloped land that had been used as an occasional dumping ground was filled and leveled to prepare the park in anticipation of Syracuse's centennial. It now includes many trees, a beach, rest rooms, gazebo and shelter. Family reunions, weddings and band concerts are all popular activities at the park. Hot summer days find busy lifeguards overseeing the young swimmers that flock to the beach. The 4th of July activities also include fireworks that can be viewed from the park.
Crosson Mill Park
Crosson Mill Park is named for Samuel Crosson, a founder of Syracuse. The park was the site of early gristmills that utilized waters from Lake Syracuse and Lake Wawasee to generate their power. a city owned dam is now located in the park which controls the water levels in both lakes. The park is also the home to the Scout Cabin and a statue of Chief Wawasee that was recently restored. A foundation was installed a few years ago in the waters above the dam. This is located along St. Rd. 13 and is lit at night to enhance the overall beauty.
Henry Ward Park
Henry Ward Park is located on the Turkey Creek channel just off of Syracuse Lake. The park is named for Henry Ward, another Syracuse founder, on land once owned by the B&O railroad. The site was used by the railroad for a facility to provide water from Syracuse Lake for its steam engines. Facilities at the park include a small pavilion, rest rooms, fishing pier and playground equipment. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has built and maintains a public boat ramp at the park. This ramp provides access to both Syracuse Lake and Lake Wawasee via the channel between the lakes.
Many activities are planned each summer for the parks. These include concerts, weddings, family reunions and fishing tournaments. Volunteers spend many hours each summer planting and maintaining all of the beautiful flowers seen in the parks. The Christmas Holidays find the parks decked out with colorful lights in keeping with the season. For information regarding schedule activities or to inquire about renting park facilities, contact can be made to the Syracuse Parks Department in care of Chad Jonsson 1013 N. Long Dr.. (574) 457-3440
Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce
101 E. Main St Syracuse, IN 46567
Phone: 574-457-5637 Fax: 574-528-6040
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