The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the towns of Covert and Ulysses and the Village of Trumansburg have announced a 90-acre park located on the western shore of Cayuga Lake in Seneca County is open for passive recreation such as hiking and nature observation – with additional outdoor recreational activities, environmental education and cultural events to be planned for the future. The State has reached an agreement with three local governments to operate and manage the former Boy Scout camp as a public park through a partnership known as the Three Falls Local Development Corporation.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation acquired the property from the Baden-Powell Council of the Boy Scouts of America, which had operated the facility as Camp Barton. The property includes a half-mile of Cayuga Lake shoreline, dockage, bathrooms, and a caretaker’s residence. The property, several miles north of Taughannock Falls State Park, also includes the 128-foot Frontenac Falls. The addition of the 90 acres to the state park system also supports the state’s goal to conserve 30 percent of its lands and waters by 2030, in line with the global 30 x 30 Initiative to protect the world’s lands and waters.
Three Falls Local Development Corporation has been awarded a $100,000 grant for the development of a capital needs assessment, urgent repairs, and a plan for the transition of the former camp facility into an accessible state park that serves New Yorkers while preserving its natural and historical significance. The grant was awarded through the Parks and Trail Partnership Grants program, which is funded through the state Environmental Protection Fund. Grants are administered in partnership with the not-for-profit advocacy group Parks & Trails New York and OPRHP.
The Town of Covert has completed the construction of a new bridge to the north entrance of the property that will serve vehicles and pedestrians. OPRHP has completed a number of safety improvements.
A formal dedication of the property, including the park name, will be determined at a later date. Under the 10-year operating agreement, the local development corporation agreed to operate and maintain the new park for public use, set the fees for such use, and determine activities available at the park. The agreement includes a 10-year renewal option.
Covert Town Board Member Deborah Nottke said, “The Town of Covert is grateful for this unique opportunity to work alongside representatives from the Town of Ulysses, the Village of Trumansburg, and the NYS Park Commission. Working together to create and attract a population into our area that will excite economic development throughout Seneca and Tompkins County. A future enjoying this treasure that had been hidden from the public for over 100 years can be shared and experienced by you. Visions are aspirations and ideas to plan in the future; our vision is now becoming a reality.”
Ulysses Supervisor Katelin Olson said, “The Town of Ulysses celebrates both the leadership of NY State Parks in acquiring the property and our collaboration with our partners in Trumansburg and Covert to manage this amazing local resource. This tremendous accomplishment will benefit our community now and future generations of children and adults alike.”
Trumansburg Mayor Rordan Hart said, “The Village of Trumansburg is grateful to everyone at NY State Parks who helped turn this vision into a reality, and we are thrilled to see another State Park on Cayuga Lake’s shores. Preserving the former Camp Barton site for public access is an incredible benefit for the entire community, and we look forward to working with our local partners in Ulysses and Covert in making this new State Park a success.”
Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White said, “Parks & Trails New York is proud to be a part of this cooperative triumph for public recreation. This magnificent 90 acres will provide boundless health, economic, and community benefits for generations to come. We look forward to furthering the important work of the Three Falls Local Development Corporation in their ongoing efforts to make this true gem on Cayuga Lake accessible for all.”
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