T.R. Proctor Park: Overview
Children enjoying Thomas R. Proctor Park around 1905.
At 112 acres, Thomas R. Proctor Park is the second largest and the oldest of the parks in Utica’s Olmsted-designed parks and parkway system. However, it is the only component on which Olmsted did not work.
Nevertheless, when the Parkway was proposed and designed by Olmsted, the guiding objective of that new scenic boulevard was to link this park to Roscoe Conkling Park and Genesee Street. It is therefore an integral part of what is known as the “Utica Parks and Parkway Historic District” (which encompasses the other two parks and the Parkway) on the National Register of Historic Places.
Activities
This park is also located only 3 blocks from F.T. Proctor Park; the two parks are connected by a strip of land that, along with their proximity, sometimes causes people to believe mistakenly that there is only one Proctor Park. You can pursue these activities at this park:
- all seasons: hike, jog, dog walking, basketball, playing catch
- spring, summer, and fall: bike, playing catch, touch football, soccer, baseball, basketball; across the street you can swim at the Buckley Pool, which is part of this system.
- winter: cross-country ski, snowshoe
This park is free and to the public from dawn to dusk, 365 days annually. Cars are not permitted on the grounds, but there are free parking lots located off Welsh Bush Road and Culver Avenue.
Thomas R. Proctor Park today.
Hours and Parking
T.R. Proctor Park is free and to the public from dawn to dusk, 365 days annually. Its parking lot is located off Welsh Bush Road.