by Kristina Gabalski
Exterior of total renovation/rebuild of Town of Clarkson lodge at Recreation Park on Ridge Road The Town of Clarkson is completing the finishing touches on a total renovation/re-build of the lodge at the town’s Recreation Park on Ridge Road.
The 50 feet x 64 feet building will seat up to 166 people for gatherings, parties, weddings and other special events, Clarkson Supervisor Paul Kimball says.
“Labor Day Weekend it will be available,” he said. “We’re really happy and anticipate a huge demand for the building.”
The town has spent the last two years completely re-doing the structure which was “shuttered” about 10 years ago by the former owner, Kimball said. Highway Department members have completed all the work with the exception of drywall and electrical and took advantage of the mild weather last winter to make progress on the project.
“The town received a (matching state) grant of approximately $600,000,” Kimball said, with the town’s contribution including Highway Department labor and equipment.
The lodge is not air-conditioned, but has ceiling fans and two large garage doors at the east end which can be opened, “to make you feel like you are outside,” Kimball notes. The building is heated and “will be available all year ‘round. We’re excited to get it rented,” he said.
Clarkson residents can rent the lodge for $200; non-residents will pay $250.
Interior of lodge.Both inside and out are done in a clean, neutral beige color and ample windows down the north and south walls bring in lots of natural light. The interior will be outfitted with two residential stoves for warming food, a refrigerator, sink and a long counter for use as a serving area, Kimball said.
“Tables and chairs have been ordered,” he notes, and a portion of the middle of the north wall has been left with no windows to allow for the installation of a fireplace in the future.
The lodge includes an office and three restrooms, one of which is handicapped accessible.
Outside, there is a paved driveway and parking lot. The 50-acre Recreational Park also includes a playground, woods and three refurbished ball diamonds.
“There is a huge demand for softball fields and people walk the perimeter (for exercise and with their dogs),” Kimball said.
He adds that grass has been planted around the lodge and eventually there will be landscaping
