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Genesee County parks

GC Parks open but public programs cancelled for April

By Billie Owens

Press release:

All Genesee County Parks, which entail the Genesee County Park & Forest and DeWitt Recreation Area, are open for recreational use from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day until May 3.

The following restrictions are in place for the Genesee County Park & Forest and DeWitt Recreation Area due to the COVID-19 Pandemic:

  1. The Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest will be closed until April 29th and reopening will be re-evaluated at that time.

  2. There will be no public programming at the Genesee County Park & Forest or at DeWitt Recreation Area until further notice.

  3. All existing picnic shelter reservations are cancelled until April 29th and will be re-evaluated at that time. Refunds may be provided or reservations may be rescheduled.

  4. There will be no special events or other group functions allowed at the Genesee County Park & Forest or DeWitt Recreation Area until April 29th and will be re-evaluated at that time.

  5. As shelter reservations occur face-to-face in the main office, Genesee County Parks will not be accepting any new picnic shelter reservations until April 29th.

  6. The park gates (winter) will remain closed to vehicles until May 4th in accordance with the normal annual park schedule. Parking is available at Areas A, B and Horse Trailer (rear gate) parking for the Genesee County Park & Forest and at the South entrance for DeWitt Recreation Area.

  7. Normal park hours of operation are still in effect (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Winter Hours until May 3rd.

  8. Playgrounds at the parks are closed until further notice.

Please practice social distancing of at least 6 feet and adhere to the gathering rules put in place by the NYS Governor and the NYS PAUSE ACT. Individuals should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities where they come in close contact with other people.

Following these rules will keep the entire community safe and healthy as the parks are enjoyed by everyone.

Conservation Education Programs Coordinator Shannon Lyaski is providing teachers, scout leaders, youth leaders and other program coordinators with support for science and nature-related lessons and activities this spring.

Visit the Genesee County Parks website to contact her. Check the County Parks Facebook page at Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry for park updates and fun resources and activities to do at home.

Please contact Paul Osborn, Deputy Highway Superintendent of Facilities, Parks, Recreation & Forestry:   Paul.Osborn@co.genesee.ny.us or call (585) 344-8508.

For more information visit our website.

ACORN awarded one of nine grants from Parks & Trails New York

By Billie Owens

The Association for Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces, Inc., (ACORNS) is one of nine nonprofit park and trail groups selected to receive a Capacity Building Grant from the statewide advocacy organization, Parks & Trails New York.

ACORNS was formed to provide service and support of the parks owned and managed by Genesee County. Its mission is foster environmental education, recreational opportunities and responsible environmental stewardship of local parks.

The Parks & Trails grants are designed to help groups increase organizational visibility and generate community support, grow membership and attract additional volunteers. ACORNS' grant will be used for membership and volunteer recruitment brochures and banners.

"Grassroots groups play a key role in the development and promotion of our state's many parks and trails, which make such a significant contribution to the economy of our cities, towns and villages as well as to the health and well-being of their residents," said Robin Dropkin, executive director, Parks & Trails New York.

"Made possible by a generous private donor, these nine grants are a small investment in strengthening our state's not-for-profit park and trail organizations that will reap big benefits, enabling these groups to leverage more private funding and marshal more volunteer power to better fill the gaps in government spending created by challenging economic times.

Parks & Trails New York received 55 applications from organizations located in 30 counties throughout the state. This is the second year that Parks & Trails New York has offered funding assistance.

“This grant comes at a critical time as we implement our membership-growth strategy and expand our outreach efforts,” said Julia Garver, President of ACORNS. “Our organization relies on the hard work and commitment of volunteers, and as funding for projects in the parks in Genesee County is jeopardized, we need to continue to grow our volunteer base. We are grateful for the support of Parks & Trails New York, and its recognition of the incredible value of volunteers.”

For 20 years, Parks & Trails New York has helped hundreds of groups and municipalities build, maintain, and promote parks, greenways, and more than 1,200 miles of multi-use trails.

More information on the grant program and Parks & Trails New York can be found on the website, www.ptny.org or by calling 518-434-1583. More information about ACORNS can be found at http://acorns.shutterfly.com/ or by calling 585-343-8514.

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