The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council announced that the Town of Ogden has begun construction on a new 1,600-foot extension of the Heritage Trail and Park funded in part with a $275,000 grant it received through Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
“I am very much looking forward to the extension of the Heritage Park and Trail in the Town of Ogden,” said Gay Lenhard, Town of Ogden Supervisor. “As the first park on the canal in Ogden, it will draw more visitors and boaters exploring the historic Erie Canal to local businesses, provide a great new place for town residents to enjoy the outdoors, and improve the overall quality of life in the region.”
The new park will include benches, shaded picnic tables and grills, in addition to an 80-foot dock for boaters. The park will have a parking lot for visitors, but also may be reached by bicycle or hiking on the trail that commences in the neighboring Village of Spencerport by the Trolley Depot. The extension will provide a nearly mile-long multi-use path and park along the canal. Future plans include the construction of pavilions and a lodge with a fireplace and restrooms.
To cover the remains of the total project cost of nearly $550,000, a matching amount will be provided by the town and will include in-kind services by the Ogden Highway Department and certain donated materials.
“I am pleased Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council recognized the value of this recreation area,” said Rose Harvey, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “Parks and trails are fundamental building blocks of vibrant, livable communities. This investment is helping the citizens of Ogden to build a stronger, more prosperous community.”
Last year, a total of $785 million was awarded through the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) for job creation and community development projects consistent with each region’s strategic plans. As part of that process, the Town of Ogden was awarded $275,000 through the Environmental Protection Fund, administered by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. To learn more about each regional council and their economic development plans, visit www.nyworks.ny.gov.
To learn more about each regional council and their economic development plans, visit www.nyworks.ny.gov.
