Published: September 08, 2008 12:09 am         

YATES: Town park now open along lakefront setting

It is early afternoon at the Yates Town Park along Lake Ontario, and the only noise is that of a friendly, gray cat.

Yates Town Supervisor Russell Martino jumps down from his truck, eager to show off the culmination of a few years hard work. Surrounding him on the 5-acre plot of land are the beginnings of what will soon become a favorite gathering spot for residents: Private picnic tables built to withstand the test of time, wide durable barbecue grills and a view that puts the mind at ease.

A pavilion erected with donations from the Fisk family offers shelter from the elements, and paving of the parking lot this week will provide easy access.

Even so, there is more yet to be done. The Yates Town Board envisions adding a ball field and playground, as well as professional landscaping, Martino said.

It is the community’s own home away from home, perfect for family picnics or a lazy afternoon in the shade of a large tree.

“You can see why I’m proud of it,” Martino said. “Many people don’t even know it’s here.”

Plans for the public park have been in the works for more than a decade. Town Board members initially tried to purchase 98.6 acres owned by the New York State Electric and Gas Corp., but the high price tag and management changes within the company stalled efforts.

When the nonprofit organization Trust for Public Land stepped in to facilitate two years ago, the project again picked up speed, Martino said. A deal was eventually made for 5 acres of lakefront property at the cost of approximately $75,000, and it was paid for with funding from a $100,000 state grant.

The remaining $25,000 has been used to prepare the park for use. Trees and brush were selectively cleared, and layers of drainage tile and topsoil have eliminated its swamp-like state.

Additional funding came from a $10,000 Lyndonville Area Foundation grant, matched by the town, which helped purchase picnic tables, cement slabs, grills and garbage cans earlier this year.

“Our Yates Highway Department has been tremendous,” Martino said. Equipment was shared also by the Orleans County Highway Department, he said.

A private pavilion dedication took place in August, with the Fisk family gathering for a special reunion. The rafters protect a solid plaque “In Memory of Michaeleen Gwen Fisk,” their mother, and a large stone bearing a remembrance poem in her honor rests a few feet away. On this particular day, it was covered in flowers.

Reluctantly turning to leave, Martino points to the wooded acreage directly behind the park leading to east Lower Lake Road. There are no definite plans to purchase additional land for a trail, but it is always a possibility.

“A little bit at a time,” he said. “We’re going to continue to develop this over the next couple years.”

An entrance sign and list of rules are expected to be posted soon. Although alcohol and swimming are not permitted, families are welcome to bring their pets.