[private]By Doug La Rocque
Following more than a year in the planning stages, state and local officials gathered last Thursday morning to mark the construction of the center that Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office said will provide a year-round public gathering place for enhanced educational, recreational and volunteer programming in the heart of the park.
[private]In his news release, the Governor said “Grafton Lakes is a jewel of the state park system, and this new center will offer more ways for visitors to enjoy this great park.” The facility is situated at the north end of the Long Pond Beach parking lot, central to the activity in the park. It is expected to be completed in 2017.
As has been previously reported by The Eastwick Press, the 5,000 square foot center will be used to expand and enhance the park’s environmental education programs, including an exhibit area to highlight the ecology of the park and the Rensselaer Plateau. It will also house the park offices and an information desk for those wishing to explore the trail network and other Grafton Lakes’ resources. An outdoor patio with terraced seating and a fire pit, as well as an indoor wood-burning hearth are other highlights of the center. New public restrooms have already been constructed next to the site.
Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino took part in the ceremony. She praised the Governor and the State Parks system for their investment in what she called a local treasure. “From hiking, boating and swimming in the summer months, hunting in the fall and winter and fishing all year long, in addition to the year-round educational programming, Grafton Lakes State Park provides tremendous opportunities to residents and visitors alike.”
The President of Friends Grafton Lakes State Park, Dorothy Surprise, said they “are very excited about the Welcome Center. The opportunity to provide additional activities for patrons at the Center will help foster our mission of attracting participants and engaging the public and the community in our organization.”
Grafton Lakes boasts more than 250,000 visitors annually, and has had two stellar years in park attendance and improvements in not only its facilities, but in the increase of the number of programs it has brought forth to the public. That includes this years “Cinema on the Beach.” The highlight of the Fall is the Annual Trick or Treat Nature Trail on Saturday October 29. Contact the Park at 279-1155 or watch Facebook for more information. Pre-registration is required.[/private]