Karina Hilario holds Hailey Hilario at the Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool, New York, Oct. 8, 2021. The Hilario’s recently moved into Onondaga County area. (Photo by Anabel Abreu)

Heather, an Onondaga resident, fishes in the Onondaga Lake, Liverpool, New York, Sept. 24, 2021. (Photo by Anabel Abreu) Onondaga Lake area is known today as “The Central Park of Central New York”. The lake and park didn’t always have this reputation. In the 20th century, the production of soda ash and an increase in population and infrastructure meant the lake was used as a wasteland. The factories surrounding the lake would use the easy access to the body of water as a means to dump the factory's waste. There was a point in time when Onondaga Lake was labeled the most polluted lake in America. That is until 2017, after a 15-year multi-stage clean-up program that restored the water toxicity levels of the lake. Littered trash is still found around the park and lake symbolizing the area's past. Since the restoration, the lake area has evolved to a place where family and friends go to connect and enjoy the outdoors. Visitors have access to the Marina, playgrounds, running paths, bike paths, equipment rentals, and more. The Onondaga Lake area is an open place that brings the community together.

A littered soda can washes up on the shore of the Onondaga Lake, Liverpool, New York, Oct. 8, 2021. The lake was once viewed as a sacred place representing peace amongst the local indigenous nations before European settlement and pollution of soda ash and mercury into the lake. In 2017, after a 15 year multi-stage clean-up the restoration of the lake was complete. (Photo by Anabel Abreu)

Scott Henry and Manny pose for a picture at the Marina in the Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool, New York, Oct. 8, 2021. Manny is a 12 year old rescue dog. (Photo by Anabel Abreu)

Sophia Petrag plays on the slide at the Onondaga Lake Park playground, Liverpool, New York, Sept. 24, 2021. (Photo by Anabel Abreu)

Josh and Asiyya pose for a pictures at the Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool, New York, Sept. 26, 2021. (Photo by Anabel Abreu)

Viera family members throw rocks at the Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool, New York, Sept. 26, 2021. (Photo by Anabel Abreu)

Sunset at the Onondaga Lake Park, Liverpool, New York, Oct. 1, 2021. (Photo by Anabel Abreu)