Onondaga County leaders hope a modernized and expanded marina in Onondaga Lake Park brings an economic boost to the area. The county spent nearly $10 million adding capacity and upgrading infrastructure, marking the first major improvements since the marina opened nearly a century ago. County Executive Ryan McMahon said 39 additional slips for boats and personal watercraft can open an untapped market.
“Many boaters, they travel on weekends and long weekends and they spend a lot of money. We want to capture that spending," he said. "Especially when you think about what we have going on all the way down the lake, but also going into the Inner Harbor now, having the ability for public access for boaters is really important.”
He said the amphitheater and aquarium are other venues that could attract boaters, who need a permit to dock at the marina. By late September, McMahon said new restrooms and showers will be completed.
He added that a cleaner lake presents opportunities for places like Liverpool.
“This community spent a billion dollars cleaning up this lake," he said. "Now we have the opportunity to talk about how we utilize it and how it's an asset again. Our community had that stolen from us.”
But some of that industrial pollution still lingers. Testing in the marina last fall turned up unexpectedly high levels of mercury in the sediment. McMahon said the toxin was removed and the marina bottom capped in late June, in accordance with state guidelines and Onondaga Nation attorneys. He added that the overall lake cleanup met all legal conditions, but requires ongoing monitoring and attention.
Editor's note: Chris Bolt contributed to this story.
