Otsiningo Park
Quick Bits
Main Activities - Hike, Bike
Distance - 3.5+ miles of trails
Quiet - road noise
Surface - nice paved paths
Elevation - relatively flat
Pets - on leash
Address - 1 Otsiningo Park Road, Binghamton, NY
In a Nutshell
Otsiningo Park and Otsiningo North Park sit on the west bank of the Chenango River. It is a hub of many events and programs from the Broome County Parks department. It features paved walking trails, pinicing, sports fields, and an ADA-compliant playground. The trails at the two parks, and the River Trail (connector) provide 3.5 miles of trails. Trails also connect to other walkways outside the park for those that need more.
Location and Parking
There are two entrances, the Otsiningo Park (the main park) and the Otsiningo Park North. Google maps knows both of them. Going in the main entrance off of Bevier Street, the Otsiningo Park Road loops through the park with various parking areas. Note, you can not drive from within the park between the main and the north section.
Another lot for Otsiningo Park North is located off on Howell Drive, which comes off of Front Street (Route 11). There is ample parking here unless there is a soccer tournament taking place.
Traveling between the two, just be aware of navigating a couple traffic circles. So if first time through there, stay focused. You can do it.
More details
The two parks, Otsiningo Park (Main Park) and Otsiningo Park North (North Park) are connected via a walk/bike path. Both are on the western bank of the Chenango River. They are a cooperative effort between the Broome County Park System and the Town of Chenango. The North Park was previously known as the Riverfront Park. The key feature of the North Park are the soccer fields, while the Main Park has multiple features: band stand, ADA accessible playground, Picnic Shelters, tables, grills, sand volleyball, and other athletic fields. The Main Park is the location of the annual Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally and Broome Bands Together (summer concert series). In December of 2022, the Festival of Lights was moved here. Community garden plots are also maintained in an area which used to serve as a rest area off of Interstate 81.
This urban park is easily accessible from various parts of Broome County, though being close to Interstates 81 and 88, you will hear road noise. That's the only real downside to the area. The parks are very well maintained and you'll find activity year-round. When you feel the need to avoid the mud elsewhere, this is a great option. And while it is an urban setting towards the highway, the view along the river is different. Bald Eagles have been seen on occasion in trees on banks of the Chenango River.
For walkers or bikers that want a bit more, the pathway runs south underneath Bevier Street and then parallels both the river and Front Street (Route 11). This extends about a half-mile beyond the park. Here, the paved path terminates, though you could cross Front Street and continue via sidewalks. There is what appears to continue as a herd path, but I'm not sure of the state or owner of that path.
The park is also rich in history. Otsiningo is a name from the 18th century for the lower Chenango River Valley. This area was occupied at that time by people of the many nations. It was also known as the "The Southern Door" in the representation of the Iroquois Confederacy "long house" that stretched across central New York. Remains of the Otsiningo village, which was occupied by various Native American peoples, was found during work on the rest area. Binghamton University and other groups did some archeological research. A placard in the park describes some of this.
The connector between the two parks was installed in 2002. Broome County in conjunction with the Town of Chenango created the North park from what was previously known as Riverfront Park.