State and local leaders gathered this week to celebrate the official completion of Munson Park, a new public space in Utica’s Oneida Square neighborhood developed through New York’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
Funded with $819,000 from the city’s $10 million DRI award, the park transforms 49,000 square feet of underused land into a vibrant community space for arts, culture, and public gatherings.
“Public spaces like Munson Park are often the centerpiece of successful downtown revitalization,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “This park represents the City’s remarkable commitment to diversity and inclusion.”
Built adjacent to the Munson Museum and Arts School, the park features landscaping, sculptures, lighting, walkways, and amphitheater-style seating using the museum’s signature floating staircase. Planned programming includes festivals, art demonstrations, performances, and light shows in collaboration with local partners.
Utica Mayor Michael Galime praised the design, saying, “The completion of this space truly weaves together the architectural vision of Philip Johnson and the functional activation of the Munson campus.”
Other local officials highlighted the park’s broader impact. “It is another important step in Utica’s continued transformation and will benefit all of Oneida County,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente.
Munson President and CEO Anna D’Ambrosio called the space a “welcoming, park-like setting” that restores the neighborhood environment lost over decades. “It will create an accessible front entrance to the Museum of Art and a beautiful setting for events,” she said.
Munson Park is one of several projects under Utica’s DRI strategy, which also includes affordable artist housing, commercial renovations, and community wellness facilities.
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