named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
FOEs Easter Egg Hunt
Annual family event with over 20,000 Easter eggs distributed, supported by community sponsors and attended by hundreds of families.
Park Clean-Up and Maintenance
Ongoing efforts by volunteers to maintain and improve the park’s natural resources and facilities in partnership with Cayuga County Parks and Trails.
Project Destination Playground
Initiative to build an inclusive, accessible playground with multiple zones for different age groups, a splash pad, nature play features, and an overlook deck with lake views. Estimated cost is $3 million.
Thursday Night Concerts
Weekly community events featuring live music, food trucks, and family-friendly programming to bring people together at Emerson Park.
activities · 7 groups
What they do
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Inclusive Playground Development 1 activity
- Development and construction of an inclusive playground at Emerson ParkDesigned and constructed a destination playground with ADA-accessible features, nature play elements, age-specific zones, a splash pad, swings, percussion play, and an amphitheater-style shelter. Fundraising and community donation efforts supported the project.
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Community Stewardship Volunteer Programs 1 activity
- Facilitation of volunteer engagement and community clean-up eventsOrganizes and facilitates volunteer opportunities for community members, including park clean-up events and participation in concerts and other park activities.
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Fundraising for Community and Charitable Initiatives 1 activity
- Fundraising and donation collection for Emerson Park improvementsConducts fundraising through guest bartending events, community bottle and can drives (partnering with Bag O' Nickels redemption center), and receives donations from foundations such as KT Foundation and proceeds from events like Galentine’s. These funds support park development and operations.
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Free Public Access Nature Sites 1 activity
- Ongoing operation and maintenance of Emerson ParkOperates Emerson Park daily from dawn to dusk, providing free daily parking, managing season passes ($40), facilitating outdoor shelter reservations, and maintaining the park through regular cleaning and improvement advocacy.
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Community Festival & Event Production 1 activity
- Organization of community events and programming at Emerson ParkHosts inclusive, family-friendly events such as weekly Thursday night concerts, movie nights, live music, vendor gatherings, and an Easter egg hunt distributing over 20,000 eggs. Events are co-hosted with partners like the Auburn Police Department and draw growing community participation.
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Recreational Trail Development and Maintenance 1 activity
- Planned development of park infrastructure including Central Node, walkways, and amphitheaterPlans to construct a Central Node facility with restrooms, concessions, walkways, and seating; an elevated accessible walkway with panoramic views; and a 3,000-person amphitheater with tiered lawn seating to enhance visitor access and experience at Emerson Park.
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Urban Park and Public Space Conservation 1 activity
- Promotion and advocacy for Emerson Park recreation and preservationAdvocates for the development, preservation, and recreational use of Emerson Park in Auburn, NY along Owasco Lake, including revitalizing community access and promoting summer programming.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2025
revenue
Total revenue$101K
Contributions & grants$84K82%
Program service revenue——
Investment income——
Other revenue$5K
expenses
Total expenses$37K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits—
Grants paid out—
balance sheet
Total assets$134K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$134K
4 years on record · 2022–2025 · YoY revenue +109.3%
relationships · 48
Who they work with
- A&M Catering Partner — Past sponsor of Friends of Emerson Park Inc
- ACF Shop with a Cop Partner — Past sponsor of Friends of Emerson Park Inc
- APD Partner — Past sponsor of Friends of Emerson Park Inc
- APEX Partner — Past sponsor of Friends of Emerson Park Inc
- Aileen McNabb Coleman Partner — Past sponsor of Friends of Emerson Park Inc
- Auburn Police Department Partner — Partners with Friends of Emerson Park to co-host community events such as the Easter Egg Hunt.
- Aversa Agency Partner — Past sponsor of Friends of Emerson Park Inc
- Bag O' Nickels Partner — Past sponsor of Friends of Emerson Park Inc
- Bag O’ Nickels Partner — Redemption center that collects bottle and can returns on behalf of Friends of Emerson Park.
- Boyle & Anderson Partner — Past sponsor of Friends of Emerson Park Inc
- CSEA Partner — Past sponsor of Friends of Emerson Park Inc
- Cayuga County Health Department Partner — Past sponsor of Friends of Emerson Park Inc
- Cayuga County Parks & Trails Department Government — Government agency that collaborates with Friends of Emerson Park to determine infrastructural improvements.
- Cayuga County Parks and Trails Partner — Collaborates with Friends of Emerson Park to organize inclusive, family-friendly community events.
- Cayuga County Parks and Trails Partner — Collaborative partner in supporting recreation, preservation, and improvement of Emerson Park.
- Cayuga County Parks and Trails Department Partner — Liaison role established through Deputy Director Manette Becker; collaborative partnership to support development and preservation of Emerson Park.
- Cuddy & Ward, LLP Partner — Past sponsor of Friends of Emerson Park Inc
- David Gould Partner — Past sponsor of Friends of Emerson Park Inc
- Denzak Recreation Partner — Collaborated on the design of the accessible playground project.
- Dugan’s Country Grill, Cafe and Food Truck Partner — Supports Friends of Emerson Park as a participating vendor and early business supporter of park events.
- Ellen Dello Stritto Partner — Past sponsor of Friends of Emerson Park Inc
- Ellie McNabb Foundation Partner — Past sponsor of Friends of Emerson Park Inc
- Friends of Emerson Park Inc Network — Member of the network of park friends groups supporting local park enhancement in Auburn, NY
- Genesee Regional Bank Partner — Past sponsor of Friends of Emerson Park Inc
- K&S Car Wash Partner — Past sponsor of Friends of Emerson Park Inc
- KT Foundation Partner — Partner organization that raised and donated funds to support Friends of Emerson Park in 2023 and 2024.
- KT12 Foundation Partner — Past sponsor of Friends of Emerson Park Inc
- Karissa Thompson, REALTOR Partner — Past sponsor of Friends of Emerson Park Inc
- Knights of Columbus Partner — Past sponsor of Friends of Emerson Park Inc
- LBN Partner — Past sponsor of Friends of Emerson Park Inc
+ 18 more
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community-Driven Park Developmentmethodology: community-driven park developmentBy integrating community input and stewardship into planning and preservation efforts, we produce sustainable park improvements because local ownership increases engagement and long-term viability.
- Community-Engaged Fundraising and Subsidization Modelmethodology: free-access-with-event-subsidizationBy offering free general access while subsidizing programming through event fees and community purchasing options, we produce equitable and sustainable park use because removing cost barriers increases access while targeted revenue supports programming.
- Inclusive Design for Public Spacesmethodology: inclusive_designBy designing playgrounds and park amenities with integrated ADA accessibility and nature-based, age-diverse features, we produce broader community engagement because inclusive spaces enable participation across abilities and generations.