State Parks Finalizes Agreement to Create New Park in Fayetteville

ALBANY, NY (01/07/2010)(readMedia)-- New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Carol Ash today announced the signing of a cooperative agreement to create a village-run park in Fayetteville and provide new access to Old Erie Canal State Park.

In December, State Parks took over a one-mile parcel along the Fayetteville feeder canal adjacent to Old Erie Canal State Park from the New York State Canal Corporation as well as a former Fayetteville substation under the auspice of the New York State Department of Transportation. State Parks has simultaneously entered into a cooperative agreement with Fayetteville to allow the village to develop and manage the 19-acre property as Limestone Plaza Park.

"The project is a terrific investment in Fayetteville – replacing an unused and fenced off parking lot with a new park that will help draw visitors to the village's historic core and a new connection to Old Erie Canal State Park," Ash said. "I'm grateful to NYSDOT, the Canal Corporation and the village of Fayetteville for sharing their resources and moving ahead with this wonderful new recreational resource in these difficult economic times."

"In addition to providing residents and visitors with another great place to enjoy Central New York's beautiful natural resources, this project repurposes existing resources to revitalize the village of Fayetteville, spurring economic development," said Sen. David J. Valesky (D-Oneida).

"This is a historic day for Fayetteville. We will transform this part of the village that has sat vacant for over 20 years and be able to turn it into something everyone will be proud of," Fayetteville Mayor Mark Olson said. "The village of Fayetteville is excited to partner with State Parks in transforming this former NYSDOT garage site in the lower village into a park that all residents of Fayetteville can enjoy."

"With this agreement, Central New York residents and their visitors will be able to enjoy a new park and additional access to the Old Erie Canal State Park through reclaimed land adjacent to Limestone Creek," State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee said. "Under Governor Paterson's direction, we are pleased to work with our state agency partners and the village of Fayetteville to enhance recreational opportunities and contribute to the character of the historic village."

"This land transfer is another important step in allowing Canal communities like Fayetteville to realize their vision for their future by embracing the abundant natural, cultural and historical resources available right here in New York," said Carmella R. Mantello, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation. "The Canal Corporation is pleased to have worked with State Legislators, State Parks, the NYSDOT and the Village of Fayetteville to help maximize the recreational potential of this property and benefit local residents, while ensuring its protection for future generations."

Village officials expect to have plans finalized by the spring, enabling work to start this summer. Plans call for walking and fitness trails, a dog park and eventually access to the waterway. The project also calls for a new bridge linking the park to Old Erie Canal State Park, a 36-mile linear park from Dewitt to Rome which also connects to Green Lakes State Park. The first phase of the project is fully funded thanks to a $250,000 Environmental Protection Fund matching grant from State Parks and reserves from the village.