Parks and Trails

Austin Park 



Facilities currently available in Austin park are picnic areas, 2 playgrounds, basketball courts, an exercise path (.55 miles), softball and baseball fields, soccer fields, beach volleyball courts, a ball wall, horseshoe pits, lighted tennis courts and two Ice Skating Rinks, Aquatic Center and Community Center. Check out the new Nature Trail through the woods running from the Community Center to the North.
 
Clift Park / Thayer Park / Shotwell Park 

These three parks are all located on the waters of Skaneateles Lake in the Village.  Public Swimming is offered in Clift Park on West Genesee Street in the Village, across from the Sherwood Inn.  The park will be open for swimming when lifeguards are on duty between July 1st and Labor Day.  Fishing is permitted in Thayer Park.  Shotwell Park is the Veterans' Memorial Park honoring those who served.
OPEN SWIMMING BEGINS JULY 1, 2008. (Open 7 Days a week 11:00am-6:00pm)
 
Charlie Major Nature Trail 



National Rails-to-Trails: Enjoy the natural and historic aspects by walking the old Skaneateles Creek between Old Seneca Turnpike and Crow Hill Road. Trail brochures are available at the Skaneateles Town Hall and the Skaneateles Community Center. There is a nice area to picnic along the creek at the north end near the Crow Hill bridge.
 
Skaneateles Conservation Area 



The Town of Skaneateles has obtained recreational land for preservation. The property is located off Gully Road and New Seneca Turnpike, the land has two separate ponds. It is a great place to go hiking. To reserve he Picnic Pavilion contact the Recreation Department for a facilities use permit. Carry-in-Carry out trash policy. No restroom facilities.
Click Here for More Information

Playgrounds

Austin Park - This playground is designed for children of all ages. Parking available at the Skaneateles Community Center.
 
Waterman School - A brand new playground designed for childen grades K thru 3rd Grade.
 
State Street School - This playground designed for children grades 3 thru 5.
 
Skaneateles Falls Park - Facilities currently available at the Skaneateles Falls Playground are a softball/little league baseball field, basketball court, swings and slide. Located behind the Skaneateles Falls Post Office on Jordan Rd.

Lake Access

Swimming - Public Swimming is offered in Clift Park on West Genesee Street in the Village, across from the Sherwood Inn. Residents swim for free with a season swim pass which are available at the Skaneateles Community Center or Town Hall. Daily admission fees for non-residents will be collected at Clift Park. Open July & August when lifeguards are on duty 7 days a week from 11a m. - 7p.m. (weather permitting)
 
Fishing - Fishing is permitted in Thayer Park.  (Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Bass, Perch) 

Boat Launches

Skaneateles Town Boat Launch -  Located on State Route 41A, five miles south of the Village. Parking is located on Lacy Road near the Mandana Fire Station. Free parking for Town of Skaneateles residents, non- residents $5.00 per day.

NYS Public Boat Launch  -  Located on State Route 41A, 2 1/2 miles south of the Village of Skaneateles. Parking for 30 cars and trailers. Concrete ramp.

Facility Reservations

Austin Ice Pavilion - The ice rink is open from October through March for hockey, figure skating and broom ball. Rental Ice is available; the rental fee for residents is $75/hour and $90/hour for non-residents. Many community events take place during the summer months. It is a great place to rent for large functions including Reunions, Arts & Craft Shows, Company Picnics and more...
 
Picnic Shelter Reservations - Reservations may be made for the Picnic Shelter in Austin Park.  Facility use permits are issued by the Parks & Recreation Department.  Fess are based on a four-hour period at $50.  Each additional hour is $5 each.  Town of Skaneateles residents will recieve a $20 discount.  Permits are available at the Skaneateles Community Center, 97 State Street, Monday ~ Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm.  Download a Building Use Form.
 
Skaneateles Community Center - Meeting Rooms for business or private functions area available at the center. Rent out the entire Community Center exclusively for your Corporate Party. Swim, Ice Skate and Dine. Contact Sue Murphy at 685-2266 ext. 109
 
Gazebo By The Lake - The Gazebo is a beautiful location for wedding or photo sessions.  To reserve the facility contact the Village of Skaneateles Clerk, Sally Sheehan's Office at 685-3440 

Other Areas

Farmers Market - Mid June through October at the Community Center parking lot. Thursdays 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.