STATE PARKS ANNOUNCES $200,000 IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AT LONG POINT

Enhancements Expected to Begin Shortly at State Park along Lake Chautauqua

ALBANY, NY -- (04/03/2006; 1630)(EIS) -- Commissioner Bernadette Castro of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation today announced several improvement projects planned for the 2006 season at Long Point on Lake Chautauqua State Park. The work impacts the park's bathhouse, trails, interpretive signage and existing Minturn Mansion.
"Long Point on Lake Chautauqua has been a longstanding destination for patrons of all ages to enjoy the park, marina and scenic waterfront recreation that are a hallmark of the warmer months," said Commissioner Castro. "With today's announcement, we are moving forward with additional investment to revitalize the park, undertaking projects that will expand services, increase safety and benefit visitors."
Major improvements will be made to the bathhouse, including a new architectural-style shingle roof, scheduled to be completed during the upcoming season. The continuation of the project will include repairs to the south wing of the top exterior deck, assessment and repair to the stone facing on the lower south wall of the building, repair or replacement of the lower main exterior deck, repair or replacement of building doors, and the completion of upgrades to the showers and restrooms.
Plans also include the removal of the park's Minturn Mansion after no viable compatible reuse for the deteriorating structure had been identified through comprehensive efforts over the last thirty years. The harsh winters and acts of vandalism have contributed to the worsening condition of the building, necessitating its removal for safety considerations. Additional plans for subsequent construction later this year include a gazebo and interpretive kiosk highlighting the valuable contributions of the Minturn family to the history of the park and the community.
"This investment will enhance the beauty of the park, increase safety, and attract more visitors to our gem, Chautauqua Lake," said Senator Catherine Young. "We must beef up our commitment to our state park system and these funds are a good start."
For the past several seasons, dock replacements and upgrades have occurred at the marina. Dock installation will commence as soon as weather conditions permit. Also, the finishing touches will be completed on the improved bicycle trail in the park, as well as the hiking trail around the Point.
Long Point, which juts peninsula-like into Lake Chautauqua, is one of the moraines left long ago by a retreating glacier. The park and marina comprise a day-use area with thickly-wooded areas of beech, maple, spruce, poplar and oak. The park's boat launch is the most modern on Lake Chautauqua, which, at 1,308 feet above sea level, is one of the highest navigable bodies of water in North America.
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 173 state parks and 35 state historic sites. For more information on any of these recreation areas please call (518) 474-0456 or visit the web site at www.nysparks.com

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