Amanda T. Fox

Looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, without going too far out of town? Time to go to the park The parks in the city of Oneonta, NY are by far and away some of the nicest ones around, and easily accessible for every member of your family. Whether you are single, need a place for your pup to run, or are coming with a full family, there is a place to go to enjoy nature right here in town that is suited just for you!

Neahwa Park

Easily the largest park in the area, Neahwa Park has a lot to offer for people from all walks of life. Whether you’re there to catch a semi-pro baseball game for their local Oneonta Outlaws in the spring or summer, to see the beautiful mountain views on walk, or even just to enjoy a picnic by Hodge’s Pond, there’s something for everyone in this iconic and historical area of town! Kids can play on the playground for hours and your pup will love the dog parks that are fully separated for a small and big dogs too! Love to skate? Check out the skatepark right next to the playground and have a blast on those slopes! And if you’re a historian, the Veteran’s Memorial Walkway and Little Red Caboose display are an absolute must-see! No matter why you’ve come to visit, there’s always something to do in this iconic park.

Catella Park

 And of course, if you’re going to Neahwa Park, you’ll have to check out it’s neighbor, Catella Park! Much smaller and quieter than Neahwa, don’t underestimate how lovely an afternoon can be by simply walking under the overpass to it. Not only is there a beautiful walking path surrounding soccer and softball fields, part of which is surrounded by large oak trees, but be sure to check out the waterfront views! Bring a blanket or some chairs, and enjoy some quiet while watching the water flow, have a picnic, or simply try your luck fishing in the stream!

Wilber Park

If you’re looking for a park that is more surrounded by woods than city, you really can’t get much better than Wilber Park. Surrounded by wooded land, this park has a lot to offer it’s visitors. From their public swimming pool available in the summer months to their expansive walking trails, there’s no shortage of things to do. Let your little ones play on the large playground at the entrance, plan your event in one of their beautiful pavilions, complete with grilling access, and enjoy all that nature has to offer in this beautiful park!

Fortin Park

More out of the way than the others, Fortin Park provides a more private and quiet experience than any other park in town, and on 95 acres of land to boot! Children of all ages will enjoy the expansive pavilions, volleyball courts, and softball fields available for all your event needs! Not only is there a playground for kids of all ages, but there’s a second one right down the way, made specifically with your toddler in mind! Along the way to Fortin is the iconic Oneonta World of Learning (OWL), a non-for-profit children’s museum and playhouse that is a must-see, especially for anyone with little ones! If you’re looking for a quiet place to host your next event, or simply a quiet day in the park, Fortin Park might just be the place to do it!

Sixth Ward

  Though smaller and far lesser known, the Sixth Ward Park is an excellent choice when it comes to places to play for your little ones! With two playgrounds, one that’s even shaped like a firetruck, and Golden Guernsey Ice Cream just down the road, it’s a great place to spend a warm, sunny day! The fields around the playgrounds are expansive, with plenty of room for your kiddo to run, and every now and again, you might even catch a little league baseball game across the way! Not only are the fields excellent to run in, the Sixth Ward Athletic Club also hosts a few events there each year, including concerts, shows, and even the Zerbini Family Circus in June!

Oneonta has much to offer for anyone looking to come visit, but for those looking for places to enjoy the great outdoors without having to go out of town, the local parks are definitely the way to go! From Neahwa Park, filled with so many options of things to do to Sixth Ward for a more quiet, easygoing vibe, there is plenty to explore, and even more fun times to be had ahead, so come on out and see what adventures await!