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County committee reviews winter recreation plan and authorizes $125,000 ADK Smart Growth grant application
Summary
Consultants presented a non-motorized winter recreation plan focused on Collins Trail network; committee authorized the Department of Recreation, Forestry and Parks to apply for up to $125,000 from the Adirondack Park and Catskill Park Community Smart Growth Program to finance phase 1 work.
The General Services Committee heard a presentation on a proposed non‑motorized winter recreation plan for the Collins Trail network and voted to authorize the Department of Recreation, Forestry and Parks to apply for up to $125,000 in Adirondack Park and Catskill Park Community Smart Growth Program funding.
Consultant Dayton, described in the meeting as the head of SE/SC Group, told the committee the plan centers on a set of groomed cross‑country ski loops, improved year‑round wayfinding and modest trailhead amenities to make Lewis County’s county‑owned Singing Waters and nearby state lands easier to navigate. “We’ve got, you know, over 215 survey responses and 41 direct conversations influencing this plan,” Dayton said, citing the public outreach that shaped the recommendations.
The presentation divided recommendations into near‑term and mid/long‑term actions. Near‑term priorities include improved, year‑round signage, opening a northern trailhead to shorten driving time for surrounding neighborhoods, and establishing a compact set of groomed loops that are straightforward to maintain. Dayton said the plan will also include detailed sign designs and locations so the county can move quickly from planning to grant applications and construction.
Longer‑range ideas in the draft include coordinating trail connections with adjacent state land, routing motorized snowmobile trails to reduce conflict with non‑motorized users, and potential destination amenities such as public art or an “ice ribbon” skating feature. Dayton emphasized the plan’s purpose as a funding and implementation roadmap: “these plans are crucial in establishing the funding resources for any public project,” he said.
Committee members and staff discussed next steps. Jackie Mahoney, who coordinated county participation in the project, confirmed county staff and the consultant will prepare cost estimates, design packages and the draft plan for an early September review and a November target for a final draft. The committee then voted to authorize the Recreation Department to submit an application to the Adirondack Park and Catskill Park Community Smart Growth Program for up to $125,000 and, if awarded, to accept and implement phase 1 of the winter recreational trail plan within the Adirondack Park boundary.
The vote was recorded in the committee as carried.
