Willow Bay at Onondaga Lake Park

The Willow Bay area is the most popular picnic space in Onondaga Lake Park. It has spectacular views of the city, several shaded nooks, a small playground and much more…. From this area you can catch the Wegmans Tram or start your walk, run, bike ride or other activity by accessing the East Shore Recreation Trail and the Shoreline Walking Trail. Several walks/ runs and other events have been hosted in this area like the Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma Walk, the Willow Bay 5K, the Ciliac Walk, the Allen Fannin Fishing Derby, etc.

Willow Bay was not named for the massive willow trees in the area. It was named for the willow bush that made Liverpool nationally known for its basketry. The willow industry began in 1852, when John Fischer, a German salt boiler, noticed some of the willow growing that closely resembled the German domestic willow that was used for basketry. The industry became known for its production of laundry baskets and regular hand baskets that were used for markets. Later, willow furniture was produced. Their products became nationally known during the peak of the industry between 1800-1920. Baskets were still being made up until 1968.