Welcome to Parks and Recreation

The City of Utica boasts an extensive park system with of a total 677 acres of municipally owned and operated parkland. With a population of 62,325, Utica provides within this system, Roscoe Conkling Park features the Valley View Municipal Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, the Utica Zoo, South Woods Multi-use Trail System, and the Val Bialas Ski Area. There are few municipalities that can list each of those facilities in one park. Also in the system is the Memorial Parkway, Thomas R. Proctor Park and Frederick T. Proctor Park, each designed by the Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.

In recent years, the City has been partnering with the Central New York Conservancy, a not for profit dedicating to the preservation of our Olmsted Parks. The Parkway features tree lined median dotted with beautiful memorials and statues surrounded by flowers. Drivers, cyclists, walkers and runners alike are treated to spectacular views of the Mohawk Valley and the natural beauty of deer grazing along the tree line. T.R. Proctor Park contains ball fields, soccer fields and a playground, while F.T. Proctor Park offers more passive recreational opportunities. In this park one may enjoy the many stone staircases and elements built by artisans during the Works Progress Administration.

There are a number of smaller district and neighborhood parks to serve the community along with 3 public swimming pools. These parks feature ball courts and fields, spray pools, jungle gyms and swings. Please refer to the map to find a park near you!

Parks and Recreation Master Plan (final draft)