Onondaga Lake Park is in for some new adventures.
That’s what the Friends of Historic Onondaga Lake (FoHOL) want you to know as they ask for donations during this year’s run of Lights on the Lake. Donations will be accepted at the ticket booth at the annual holiday attraction, as well as at Ste. Marie Among the Iroquois during the run of its Christmas Around the World celebration.
“Onondaga Lake’s past envelops such offerings as spirituality, resorts, recreation, commerce and transportation,” said Linda Woodrow, marketing director for FoHOL. “FoHOL’s crystal ball glows with possibilities such as additional historic trail markers, an expanded Onondaga Lake visitors center featuring catering potential and a gazebo, greater opportunities for fascinating program development highlighting all aspects of the lake’s noble past and events that will assist in driving economic development and growth to our community.”
Woodrow said FoHOL is looking forward to being a part of that growth and enhancing the experience of all those who visit any of Onondaga Lake’s historic landmarks.
FoHOL entered into an agreement with the county in 2004 to operate the Ste. Marie Among the Iroquois Living History Site as a full-time, volunteer-run facility. In the last few years, FoHOL has been instrumental in establishing new period-specific programs and bringing back old traditions, like the Christmas Around the World exhibit, which returned last year after a long absence.
Now, FoHOL, while still rooted in the past, is looking to the future.
“We’re at a crossroads right now,” Woodrow said. “The New Onondaga Lake Adventure is currently being formatted and planned.”
Woodrow said the first step in the project is to generate some $25,000 in donations during this year’s Lights on the Lake run.
As for what that adventure will be, Woodrow kept mum.
“The sky’s the limit,” she said. “But the time to aid in the exciting development of the New Onondaga Lake Adventure is now. With continued financial support from the community, business leaders, governmental entities, tourists and more, FoHOL’s growth will ensure that Onondaga Lake will again be a recreational Mecca for visitors, to stimulate economic growth, and be a valued gem to the people of our area and their descendents for many years to come.”
To make a donation to the Friends of Historic Onondaga Lake, email [email protected] or write to Friends of Historic Onondaga Lake, PO Box 249, Liverpool, NY 13088.
