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Photo by: Craig Hodges

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Why a Waterfront Trail?
Ithaca is fortunate that our predecessors had the vision to preserve so much of our waterfront for public use. Stewart Park, Newman Golf Course, the Ithaca Farmers Market, Cass Park, and Allan H. Treman State Marine Park offer remarkable opportunities for public access to Cayuga Lake and the Inlet. Waterfront projects now under construction, such as the Turtle Mound at the Ithaca Children's Garden and the Island Health and Fitness Center on Inlet Island, offer glimpses of a new waterfront even more vital to our community's economic and physical well being.

We believe that the missing link on our waterfront is, well just that, a link between all of these destinations ? a Waterfront Trail. The Cayuga Waterfront Trail connects existing and emerging waterfront destinations with a facility designed specifically for transportation and enjoyment by people, not by cars. People walking, biking and skating, pushing strollers and in wheelchairs, young children and senior citizens enjoy the waterfront, being active or relaxing by the water. The trail:

Increases Access to the Waterfront:
The Waterfront Trail allows residents and visitors to enjoy our waterfront in new ways - biking, in-line skating, running, and walking.

Promotes Active Living and Improves Public Health: The Trail encourage year-round physical activity in a beautiful outdoor setting by connecting our most popular waterfront destinations.

Is a Tourist Destination:
The Cayuga Waterfront Trail, when completed, will link to the Tompkins County Visitor Center and provide direct trail access to all of Ithaca's waterfront parks and destinations.

Creates a New Transportation Way:
The Cayuga Waterfront Trail, when completed, will be a safe, pleasant and accessible route for non-motorized transportation among Stewart Park, the Farmers Market, Inlet Island and West End, Cass Park, the Ithaca Childrens Garden, and the Treman State Marine Park.

Supports Waterfront Economic Development:
Restaurants and other businesses on waterfront will benefit from improved access provided by the Cayuga Waterfront Trail.

Enhances Quality of Life: Great trails contribute to the great quality of life in Ithaca and Tompkins County.

To learn more about the design of the trail click here.