Barry Park Community Input Study
Project Summary
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- Geographic Scope
City of Syracuse, NY
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- Project Start Date
January 2017
In spring 2017, the University Neighborhood Preservation Association and the City of Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation, and Youth Programming partnered with Syracuse Community Geography to conduct a community input study about Barry Park in order to systematically document how community members feel about the park’s current amenities and programming. Through a survey, moderated discussion groups, interviews, sketch mapping, and direct observations, SCG researchers collected data from a wide range of park users. The results indicate how visitors use Barry Park and the types of amenities and events neighbors currently enjoy, but also help to identify some key needs and concerns. In collecting this data, our study thus aimed to identify top priorities for future renovations or new programming in the park. Our research results suggest that residents have a deep affection for Barry Park; small renovations and upgrades would go a long way to improving the park and its accessibility; there is significant support for more benches, shading, plantings, a renovated playground, and improvements to the courts and play fields. Neighbors expressed enthusiasm for current programs and events and shared several creative ideas for additional programming such as winter activities, food trucks, movies and dances. The one-page summary and report provide a synthesis of neighborhood resident feedback.