City of Syracuse Mayor Walsh has announced the commencement of sediment removal in Elmwood Park, located at 600 Craddock Street, starting June 2, 2025. This initiative aims to restore the brook to its condition prior to the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Fred in August 2021. The restoration will involve sediment removal, channel wall repairs, and park turf restoration.
“We are committed to improving the environmental health of Furnace Brook,” stated Mayor Walsh. “This dredging project is crucial for restoring the natural flow of the brook to maintain its beauty and ecological significance in Elmwood Park. We appreciate everyone’s patience as the work begins.”
Furnace Brook originates in Onondaga Hill and flows through Elmwood Park’s waterfalls before joining Onondaga Creek. It is annually restocked with trout by Onondaga County Parks’ Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery. Construction is restricted to May through October to protect spawning activities. The project follows damage from a severe tropical storm and is funded by grants from FEMA and the NYS Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
Further information about this project can be found at goto.syr.gov/2025-Elmwood-Project.
