In the growing arts district near downtown Syracuse, years of community hard work is under threat. The public bike park adjacent to the LIPE Art Park is at risk of being bulldozed to make way for a private gated parking lot meant to store police vehicles. This space is not just a recreational facility; it is a symbol of collective effort, creativity, and the optimism for our community.

For the past ten years, dedicated volunteers and enthusiasts have poured their hearts into creating and maintaining this bike park. It stands as a testament to what grassroots initiatives can accomplish. A space where youth and adults alike can engage in healthy, free recreation, creative expression and physical exercise.

The decision to replace this communal space with a private police parking lot is not only shortsighted but also an abuse of power. This action prioritizes vehicles over people, and concrete over culture. It dismisses a decade of hard work and undermines the very essence of community spirit, instead favoring fast-tracked decisions made behind closed doors and without transparent dialogue.

We understand the logistical needs of the police department, yet this solution is detrimental. Alternative locations for a parking lot should be thoroughly explored so as not to encroach upon our public spaces. The arts district’s growth and vibrancy rest on unique community resources, not sterile parking facilities.

We call upon city officials and their plans to value the significance of this bike park, to recognize the rightful place of community-driven initiatives in urban development. By pressing pause on this decision, we can explore alternative solutions that benefit all stakeholders, not just a select few.

Join us in our fight to preserve this invaluable community hub. Sign this petition and let us together ensure that our district continues to thrive with spaces that foster health, creativity, and unity.

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Our next most important step is a special meeting at City Hall on Wednesday 10/21 at 5:30pm
We will be riding from the pump track promptly at 5:00pm 

If you can't make it in person, we urge you to send a POLITE email to CityClerk@syr.gov to have your support on OFFICIAL record.

Share your voice to help decision makers understand why a pubic bike track and pump track is better for the community than a gated private parking lot to store police cars.

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Volunteers have taken careful consideration of the art park master plan, the concerns of the city, and the voices of the neighbors. Together we have built the beginnings of something special, piece by piece everyone doing a little... creativity spilling out of the Delavan Building and the Gear Factory... the active sculptures in the Art Park... the hard work and toil to make healthy soil and plantings... the delicious burrito spot... all symbiotically coming together

We can't let the police storm into the neighborhood all of a sudden bulldoze all of this hard work because it's convenient and cheap for them.

Let's pave the pump track as initially planned! 

To learn more search PumpTrackSYR and follow us on social media.