Six communities in Western New York will share $60,000 in grant funding aimed at enhancing trail access, improving safety, and strengthening local economies through outdoor recreation.
Parks & Trails New York (PTNY), with funding support from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, announced the recipients of its latest Trail Town Grants. The competitive funding program is designed to help communities capitalize on nearby public lands and trail systems by investing in infrastructure, safety improvements, and placemaking initiatives.
The 2026 grant recipients include:
- Town of Belfast ($15,000): Funding will support improved connections between the Genesee Valley Greenway and the town center, including new wayfinding and safety signage, an information kiosk, bike racks, and an interactive trail engagement project tied to the local library.
- Village of Avon ($15,000): Grant funds will be used for parking lot upgrades at the Five Arch Bridge trailhead, including site preparation and asphalt installation to improve access and safety for trail users.
- Village of Brockport ($3,600): The village will develop and print new brochures highlighting its connection to the Erie Canalway Trail and other local recreational opportunities.
- Village of Mount Morris ($14,553): Improvements to the community’s Pocket Park will include a new brick paver walkway and repairs to structural walls, enhancing accessibility and usability.
- Village of Perry ($4,824): The project will focus on beautification along the Silver Lake Trail, including new historical signage and additional seating.
- Village of Scottsville ($7,022): Funding will support new signage identifying three municipal parks and the creation of a pollinator garden at Canawaugus Park.
Officials say the grants will help communities along the 90-mile Genesee Valley Greenway State Park and the western portion of the Empire State Trail better leverage tourism and outdoor recreation.
Since launching the Trail Town initiative in 2021, PTNY has worked with communities to develop long-term strategies that use trail networks as economic drivers while promoting safer, more accessible options for pedestrians and cyclists.
