Senator Ryan Provides $50,000 for Snow Removal Upgrades in Onondaga County Parks
December 4, 2025
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ISSUE:
- Snow Removal
- Onondaga County
Grant will support purchasing of REACT Snowblades
State Senator Christopher J. Ryan (SD-50) today announced $50,000 in state funding for the Onondaga County Parks Department to purchase new REACT Snowblades — an advanced, more efficient snow-removal technology that will help the County modernize aging equipment, reduce salt usage, and lower long-term operating costs.
“Keeping our parks open, safe, and accessible through the winter is no small task,” said Senator Ryan. “Even on the coldest days, families and residents rely on these trails and pathways to stay active. The Onondaga County Parks Department works around the clock to keep them clear, and I’m proud to support technology that makes their work easier, more efficient, and more environmentally responsible.”
Onondaga County Parks Commissioner Brian Kelley said, “The Onondaga County Parks Department is extremely grateful to both Senator Ryan and the State of New York for giving us the opportunity to obtain this funding. Trails are the calling card of Onondaga County Parks with thousands of local residents using them daily. Safety is always our top priority and with us being able to use the new REACT Snowblades to keep trails open and safe, it will provide the ultimate user experience.”
REACT Snowblades use a series of smaller, more flexible blades and springs that allow the plow to better conform to the surface of the path. By hugging the contour of the ground, these blades remove significantly more snow and ice in a single pass. That precision dramatically reduces the amount of road salt needed — saving taxpayer dollars while also cutting back on the harmful environmental impacts of traditional de-icing practices.
Reduced salt use means less corrosion to vehicles and equipment, less damage to vegetation and soil, and fewer contaminants entering local waterways. For a parks system with miles of walking paths and public spaces, that impact adds up quickly. The new blades will help crews work faster, extend equipment life, and ensure Onondaga County parks remain safe and usable throughout the winter season.