Ryder Recreation and Nature Area

Ryder Park is a 12-acre public park located adjacent to the DeWitt Town Hall on Butternut Drive in East Syracuse, New York. The park serves as a recreational area for local residents and visitors, offering a variety of outdoor activities and natural features.

One of the park's notable attractions is the James L. Guyette Arboretum, which showcases a diverse collection of trees and plants. The park also features a butterfly garden, providing a habitat for various butterfly species and offering an educational opportunity for nature enthusiasts.

For those seeking physical activity, Ryder Park offers bicycle and exercise trails. These paths wind through the park, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery while getting some exercise. The park also includes a canoe launch into Butternut Creek, enabling water-based recreation for paddling enthusiasts.

Fishing enthusiasts can take advantage of the park's fishing pond, which is stocked with various fish species. This feature provides a peaceful spot for anglers to enjoy their hobby in a natural setting.

Ryder Park caters to families and groups with its picnic areas, grills, and playground equipment. The playground includes tot swings, making it suitable for children of different ages. For larger gatherings, the park offers a picnic shelter and a pavilion with restroom facilities.

The park's location near the Old Erie Canal Towpath Trail adds to its historical significance and connectivity to the wider area. This proximity allows visitors to extend their outdoor experience beyond the park's boundaries.