Memorial Park — Attraction in Utica

Sadly I wasn't a big fan of Memorial Park. In my opinion, this park is more set up for workers/employees in the area to take their breaks, and enjoy the outside. If you want a pretty outdoor area to enjoy during your lunch, this is perfect! There are plenty of tables, and a small, short, path to walk along the river. I will note that I didn't notice any public restrooms in the area. If you are looking to hike trails, and feel like you escaped from the city into nature, this is not the place. It does have a couple spots with a beautiful view, but paths/sidewalks mostly lead you around the local neighborhood and business area. The graffiti tunnel is disappointing. Honestly, I feel like the city is missing out on a great opportunity to utilize the tunnel, it could help encourage community engagement with local artists, or maybe an art contest. Give the city the chance to re-design it in a yearly competition. It could even be specifically targeted for graffiti artists, if preferred. As of now though, it's just a bunch of ugly scribbles and insults written on the walls of the tunnel. I will say overall that the park was well kept and clean. You can find an available bike repair station, if you need it while passing through, and there is a really nice drop off for kayaks and canoes. The parking lot is small, but the park is tiny, so it works. There is a second small lot, just West of the park, that you can park in when using the drop off point. Overall, it's a pretty, small, city park. Great for a quick sit, but not for...

Very nice and unique place. It's a hub. Right on the river and the trail which runs downstream toward Dodge Park and North towards River Bends park. Canoe and kayak launch/takeout directly across the river and a stones throw from Jimmy John's Field. Right next to the library and just beyond that is the Utica police station. Parking is usually easy but if a game is going on at the ball field, it can get difficult. It has a free you fix it bike repair station. It's clean and feels safe and it is well lit. Many people enjoy walking, sitting, dancing and eating at what seems to be all hours of day and night. The best seat in town is the swing by the river just below Auburn Rd bridge. It is seldom vacant. Most of the graffiti in the tunnel under M-59 is constantly changing artwork done by what I would call talented street artists. Kids seem to enjoy it despite not having any playground equipment. Maybe the river and the ducks are enough to interest them. The flowers are very nice too. It's a nice place to come at sunset...

Memorial Park

2025 Small park. Utica does have a few nice parks around the corner. This one was ok. A lot of time spent designing this park.

At the time we were here it looked like it needed a little love. Some of the spray painting should be removed. No, it’s not art. It’s junk. Graffiti. I read some of the old reviews. What kind of idiots call those graffiti art? So embarrassing. A little effort to clean it up. Utica can do better. I saw a beautiful mural just down the street. Pay someone to paint a nice mural. Don't let kids graffiti your small park. They even graffiti painted the drinking fountain. The fire department and police department is about 500 ft away. Omg.

A little effort. Mayor should be embarrassed.

I came by for the Halloween event. Such an eye sore. Utica do better.

Recommend if you want to see Graffiti and a city that does not care. Do...