Exciting news from the Village of Newark.
The village has been selected as one of three provisional Empire State Trail Towns for 2023. This distinction from Parks & Trails New York and the New York State Canal Corporation will help Newark increase tourism along its section of the Erie Canalway Trail and the Empire State Trail.
The Empire State Trail was completed in 2020 and spans 750 miles across the state.
The other two municipalities selected for 2023 are Rome and Lockport.
Village of Newark Mayor Jonathan Taylor stated, “The Village is delighted that Newark was chosen as a Provisional Empire State Trail Town. We are eager to work with Parks and Trails New York to maximize awareness of our presence along the Trail and are honored to be chosen alongside such highly esteemed cities as Lockport and Rome. This is another step in the right direction for Newark’s revitalization and economic growth”.
“As a canal community, the Village of Newark has long stood as one of our state’s most exemplary tourist destinations, providing visitors with ample amenities as they enjoy boating, cycling and other recreational activities along the scenic Erie Canal,” said New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton. “Through the Provisional Empire State Trail Town program, the Canal Corporation is thrilled to assist Newark in revitalizing their community as they foster connections and develop strategies that will not only improve their tourism industry, but create long-term economic and quality of life benefits for Newark and its surrounding areas. We look forward to this partnership and all of the new opportunities it will bring to New Yorkers, so they can enjoy the Empire State Canal Corridor and the vibrant Village of Newark for generations to come.”
Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White said, “We couldn’t be more excited to be working with the Village of Newark as a provisional Trail Town this year. With its vibrant waterfront, walkable downtown, and engaged community, the Village is a charming destination along the Erie Canalway Trail. We look forward to working with Newark to leverage trail tourism along the Empire State Trail to support local businesses and continue to build safe connections for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the Village.”
