Willis Carrier Park represents one of the most significant economic development projects ever created and facilitated by the Town of DeWitt. Named for Willis Carrier, the founder of Carrier Corporation, this comprehensive recreation facility and park is located next to the Carrier campus on Thompson Road in DeWitt.* The park comprises 22+acres of land generously donated to the town by Carrier Corporation. The facility was created and designed for the use and enjoyment of DeWitt residents, as well as residents and visitors from all across Onondaga County and the Central New York region.
Phase 2 of the project was completed in the fall of 2020 with the installation of two turf infields and the construction of three all-inclusive basketball courts and an all-inclusive children's playground. The basketball courts, partially funded by the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation, are lighted and feature fully adjustable backboards and rims so children and adults in wheelchairs can also play; the only one of its kind in the CNY region, is specially designed for children of all ages and abilities, including those with special needs. The turf infields for youth baseball and fastpitch softball, offer greater playability; that means more games, practices , and tournament bookings; that translates to tangible economic development opportunities.
Based on data from Visit Syracuse, Carrier Park will generate an incremental annual hotel revenue of $945,000 - and a total business benefit of $5,000,000 - from just 14 multi-day weekend events! Plus, an associated $66,150 in Room Occupancy Tax and $200,000 in sales tax revenues. These sports tourism dollars support not only DeWitt, but the whole of Onondaga County!
When completed, Carrier Park will include up to 9 championship tournament quality fields, including 2 dynamically designed super turf fields which can be utilized for baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer, football, and other special events. Basketball courts, an all-inclusive special needs playground, and a walking trail are also included as a part of the completed plan.
With Phases 1 and 2 complete, the $12.5 million Carrier Park Field of Dreams is well on it’s way to becoming the leading, fully handicapped accessible, all-inclusive outdoor multi-sports athletic complex in the region. This new facility is designed for the use and enjoyment of both local residents and visitors to Central New York. The Town of DeWitt, in conjunction with the Members of the Carrier Park Project, recognized the need for an outdoor multi-sports facility within the Central New York community. Given the local community’s passion for all sports, Carrier Park will offer an opportunity for amateur and junior level tournament play.
The 28 acres of land donated by the Carrier Corporation to the Town of DeWitt in 2010 will include up to nine championship tournament quality fields accommodating Syracuse Challenger Baseball, Little League Baseball and softball. Included in the project are two dynamically designed super turf fields, which can be utilized for baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer and football and other special events. Basketball courts, an all-inclusive special needs playground and a walking trail are included as part of the complex.
While creating economic strength, stability, and security for town of DeWitt residents has been the driving force for the development of Carrier Park, what also lay at the heart of the project is the Syracuse Challenger Baseball program.
Through a relationship dating back to childhood between Town of DeWitt Supervisor Ed Michalenko and Challenger Executive Director Dom Cambareri, the dream of a permanent home for Challenger baseball was born.
The “Field of Dreams” at Carrier Park fulfills that dream to provide the Challenger program a home. Carrier Park is one of the first facilities in the country to build a fully handicap accessible, fully integrated sports complex available to all children and adults, including those with special needs; it is truly a special place where children and adults of all abilities can play.
Help us build community now!
Donate today!
You, your family, or business/corporation can sponsor the purchase of many different items at Carrier Park including a scoreboard, turf field, bleachers, a bench and more. Download the Carrier Park Marketing Package PDF for more information.