Park and Trail Partnership Grants Fund Diverse Projects
PTNY staff travelled around the state to celebrate and present symbolic "big checks" to a sampling of the remarkable projects funded by this year's Park and Trail Partnership Grants.
We faced a challenging decision when it came time to determine which of the 30 projects awarded in Round 6 to spotlight but finally settled on seven varying projects.
Taconic State Park/Harlem Valley Rail Trail -- Copake Falls
Our first event was held on September 1 at Taconic State Park to acknowledge the $75,000 award to the Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association.to rehabilitate the four-mile section of the popular Columbia County trail that runs through the park. A decorated pavilion provided much-needed cover on the rainy Wednesday to accommodate the Association's trustees, NYS Parks staff and regional commissioner, and Assemblywoman Didi Barrett who has been a notable supporter of the Rail Trail and its benefit to tourism in her district.
Old Croton Aqueduct, Yonkers
The following month, PTNY staff travelled to the Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park in Yonkers. A festive group gathered on October 5 at one of the many park trailheads to congratulate the Friends of Old Croton Aqueduct for its $24,875 award to fund a part-time community engagement position to expand outreach in the underserved and diverse Yonkers communities along the Aqueduct. State Sen. Stewart-Cousins from the 35th district presented the check alongside members of the Friends group, Parks & Trails New York staff and representatives from the City of Yonkers.
Rockefeller State Park Preserve -- Westchester County
Just north of Yonkers, the Friends of Rockefeller State Park Preserve were also presented with a big check earlier that morning to acknowledge its $75,000 award to rehabilitate the Overlook Trail carriage road--one of the most heavily used of the 45 miles of carriage roads in the Preserve. PTNY staff were treated to a stroll along the trail segment where the need for improvements was very obvious.
Reinstein Nature Preserve -- Depew
PTNY staff members Will Cote and Maria Gigliello had the opportunity to present a big check to the Friends of Reinstein Woods for an upcoming project to provide permanent, durable trailside interpretive signs along the "History Trail," including new accessibility features and an audio tour. Since the preserve is easily accessible to many communities in the Buffalo area, it has seen tens of thousands of new visitors since the beginning of the pandemic, as the community sought refuge in nature and opportunities for outdoor recreation. The project will breathe new life, in the form of better wayfinding and opportunities for education, into this key preserve asset.
Darwin Martin House -- Buffalo
Several members of the Parks & Trails New York team had the privilege of visiting the Darwin Martin House on October 19 and presenting its Friends groups--the Martin House Restoration Corporation--with a big check for $13,500. The funding enables the Friends to retain a Curatorial Intern to support the second phase of a comprehensive collections cataloging project that will strengthen the stewardship of the collections and not only make them more accessible to people locally, but around the world. After touring this truly unique and magnificent site, and the meticulous work the corporation has done to preserve Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece, we couldn’t be happier to help fund this important endeavor.
Artpark -- Lewiston
On October 19, we hosted a press event at Artpark around our presentation of a big check for $50,000 to Artpark’s Friends group--Artpark & Company--for a truly innovative project. Park and Trail Partnership Grant funding will help provide a comprehensive wayfinding system that incorporates public Wi-Fi along Artpark's pathways. This will provide data access to Artpark visitors, creating an immersive experience for people as they explore this unique destination. We were fortunate to have NYS Senator Ortt, Assemblymember Morinello and State Park’s Niagara Regional Director Mark Mistretta join the event and share their thoughts on the value of protecting and enhancing our public lands. Check out the feature covering the event on News Channel 4 in Buffalo.
Saratoga Spa State Park -- Saratoga Springs
Peak foliage, a spring-fed pond as a backdrop, and a podium adorned with classic fall décor provided an idyllic setting for the final big check presentation for Round 6. Members of the Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park, accompanied by representatives from the State Parks Saratoga-Capital Region, as well as Senator Daphne Jordan, gathered to celebrate the $75,000 award to rehabilitate the historic structure around Coesa Spring. The funding for spring, the last spring in the park to undergo rehabilitation, is highly welcomed and the gratitude from participants was clearly communicated in event remarks.
Diverse Projects Awarded in Round 6
Other projects awarded a Park and Trail Partnership Grant that visitors will be able to experience include 18 rehabilitated Civilian Conservation Corps-era stone picnic tables in Letchworth State Park, enhanced education signage at Hallock State Park Preserve and Orient Beach State Park developed by the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, and new bridges and trails for winter recreation at Winona Forest.
Additional projects to receive grants focused on capacity building. The Friends of Clark Reservation just southeast of Syracuse will use its grant to develop a much-needed strategic plan, and the Friends of Fort Crailo across the river from Albany will enhance board recruitment, boost its membership base, and upgrade its website.
View the list of all award recipients from Round 6.
The application process for Round 7 is underway with applications due November 30, so there is still time to apply! Please contact Jonathan Duda, Grants Coordinator (grants@ptny.org) with any questions regarding potential projects or eligibility.