Facility Overview

The Oxley Lot, also widely recognized across campus as the Dwyer Dam Lot, is an open-air surface parking facility situated along Route 366 (Dryden Road) on the southeastern boundary of the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, New York. Designed to offer straightforward, perimeter-style parking, the lot features a wide, asphalt-paved layout with clearly delineated stalls and wide drive aisles. Unlike multi-story facilities such as the Hoy Road Parking Garage, the Oxley Lot provides completely unobstructed vertical headroom. Because there are no overhead ceiling beams, height barriers, or low overhangs, this lot is Cornell University's officially designated recommendation for oversized vehicles, tall passenger vans, large pickup trucks, full-size SUVs with rooftop cargo carriers, and specialized campus transport that exceed standard 6-foot-6-inch garage clearances.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

The facility holds a prime strategic position just east of Cornell University's central athletic, agricultural, and administrative corridors. Key destinations within walking distance or a brief ride include:

• Cornell Athletics Complex: Situated just a 7 to 10-minute walk (approx. 0.4 miles) away, visitors have quick access to Schoellkopf Field for Ivy League football and lacrosse, Lynah Rink for Big Red ice hockey, and Bartels Hall (Newman Arena) for basketball and wrestling.
• Stocking Hall & The Cornell Dairy Bar: Located less than an 8-minute walk away, making it a favorite parking choice for visitors sampling legendary Cornell ice cream and visiting the Department of Food Science.
• Cornell Agricultural Quad & Sciences: Direct walking proximity to Morrison Hall, Riley-Robb Hall, and the Wing Drive research complex.
• East Ithaca Recreation Way & Cascadilla Trails: Bordering the lot, outdoor enthusiasts can step right onto scenic multi-use paved and woodland trails for jogging, walking, or cycling.
• Cornell Botanic Gardens: Located roughly 15 minutes away on foot or a 3-minute drive, encompassing hundreds of acres of cultivated gardens, arboretums, and the Nevin Welcome Center.
• Collegetown & Downtown Ithaca: A convenient 3 to 5-minute drive connects drivers to Collegetown dining and nightlife along Dryden Road and College Avenue, while the downtown Ithaca Commons is just 7 minutes to the west.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Navigating to and from the Oxley Lot is exceptionally convenient because the entrance sits directly on Route 366 (Dryden Road), a major eastern arterial roadway. This perimeter access allows drivers to bypass the tight pedestrian-heavy avenues and campus-road restrictions common to central Cornell. Exiting after high-attendance football matches, hockey showdowns, or commencement ceremonies is significantly quicker here than from interior parking decks. For public transportation, the lot is directly linked to Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) bus stops along Route 366 and adjacent campus roads, connecting passengers across campus, Collegetown, and the downtown Ithaca core. Regional travelers benefit from fast connections via NY-366 to NY-79 (Catskill Highway) and NY-13, facilitating easy travel to Cortland, Binghamton, Elmira, and Syracuse.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-Air Surface Parking: Level, fully paved asphalt surface with clearly marked driving lanes and stall dividers.
• Unrestricted Clearance: Zero overhead constraints, making it fully capable of accommodating tall trucks, lifted SUVs, transit vans, and buses.
• ParkMobile Digital Payment: Seamless pay-by-cell convenience via the ParkMobile app, mobile web, or SMS text using Cornell Zone 4111.
• Accessible Parking: Designated ADA-compliant accessible spaces positioned on level terrain with direct curb cuts to sidewalks.
• Nighttime Illumination: High-efficiency overhead pole lighting illuminating rows, aisles, and pedestrian walkways after sunset.
• Trailhead Access: Direct link to the East Ithaca Recreation Way pedestrian and bicycle corridor.
• Campus Security Oversight: Regularly monitored by Cornell University Transportation Services and patrolled by Cornell University Police.

Ideal For

• Game-Day Fans & Event Attendees: Cornell Big Red supporters heading to Schoellkopf Field, Lynah Rink, or Bartels Hall who want an easy exit route post-game.
• Oversized & High-Clearance Vehicles: Drivers of full-size vans, trucks with ladders or roof boxes, and campers that cannot fit into standard campus parking decks.
• Campus Commuters & Daily Visitors: Faculty, staff, students, and university guests seeking cost-effective Daily Decision parking outside the central congestion zone.
• Cornell Dairy Bar Patrons: Families and foodies visiting Stocking Hall for fresh dairy treats and campus tours.
• Recreation Enthusiasts: Runners, walkers, and cyclists looking for a safe, accessible trailhead base along the East Ithaca trail network.

Visitor & Driver Tips

To ensure a smooth parking experience, drivers should download the ParkMobile application before arriving and initiate a parking session under Zone 4111 immediately upon leaving their vehicle. While parking is enforced during standard university administrative hours (typically Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM), weekend parking is generally open, though motorists must always review posted regulatory signage for event-specific changes. On major Ivy League athletic game days, alumni reunions, or Cornell Commencement weekend, interior campus roads often experience rolling closures; approaching the Oxley Lot from Route 366 from the east allows you to bypass road blockades entirely and secure a spot with minimal delay.