Forest kindergartenMay 4, 2009 at 11:47 am by Dennis Yusko, Staff writer
Up to 40 area kindergarten students will attend class outdoors all year long under a new agreement between the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs and the Saratoga Spa State Park.
The school’s new “Forest Kindergarten” program will launch in September on state park land off Kaydeross Avenue. The school and park are doing minor renovations to a farmhouse at the site and will build a garden on a half-acre of mowed land. Students will use the 300 acres of State Park forest land as their classroom.
“They will spend the vast majority of their days outdoors, even in the winter,” Gina Michelin, the school’s development director said. The students would be brought in the farmhouse’s two traditional classrooms on prohibitively cold or wet days, she said.
The program is unique to the U.S., though countries like Denmark have tried nature-based approaches to education since the 1950s, said Michelin, whose 4-year-old son Sam is one of 20 children already enrolled in the program. The program can accept up to 40 students, she said.
The outdoor classroom aims to battle “nature deficit disorder,” or a lack of free, outdoor play in the lives of today’s children and how it is negatively impacting their physical, emotional and intellectual health, the school says.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Our neighbors at Saratoga Tree Nursery need our support.
The Saratoga Tree Nursery is being targeted for closure by the Department of Environmental Conservation in order to meet mandated budget and personnel cuts as set by Governor Paterson. This decision to close the Nursery is not set in stone, but is a grave possibility if a consensus is not reached between the Governor and the Unions regarding a raise freeze and the enactment of a proposed one week lag pay for the state work force.
The Saratoga Tree Nursery Program was started in 1902. The State Nursery in Saratoga began in 1911. The Nursery Program survived the Great Depression, and created many jobs for Civilian Conservation Corps men and women in the 30's who were instrumental in re- planting the barren areas in New York with seedlings grown at NY State operated nurseries.
At one time NY had as many as 9 state operated nurseries. All nursery operations were consolidated to Saratoga in 1972.
Today the Saratoga Tree Nursery produces and supplies over 1.2 million seedlings a year to New York residents at cost for various conservation plantings such as soil erosion control, wildlife habitat improvement, and the creation of riparian buffer zones. The Nursery produces NY seed source seedlings from seed collected by its staff from orchards they maintain throughout NY. The seedlings produced at Saratoga preserves the qualities of New York natives which have shown superb characteristics.
The Tree Nursery also supplies over 32,000 seedlings to NY state schools through the "School Seedling Program". This program is open to all NY public and private schools and offers 50 free seedlings to each school that applies to be used within their curriculum. Tree awareness and respect for our environment needs to start with NY's youth
If the State Tree Nursery closes the cost of the many ongoing conservation projects in NY will increase significantly. Many would no longer be cost effective to pursue. Those projects which continue will not have the benefit of using local NY seed source material. The integrity of NY's forests could be at stake. The State Nursery also gives away tens of thousands of seedlings to NY residents during special events (Arbor Day, fairs, Environmental events) in order to promote tree planting and preservation. The Saratoga Nursery also produces 40,000 flowers a year for use at DEC campgrounds and facilities. The Nursery also supplies seedlings used to replant state land and for other special projects throughout NY.
If you agree that the NYS DEC Saratoga Tree Nursery is still a vital part of the preservation of the New York State environment please contact your local state legislative representatives, Commissioner Grannis of DEC, and even the Governor's Office and tell them NY still needs its Nursery and that the vital role it plays can not be replaced.
Thank you for your support,
Friends of Saratoga Tree nursery
The Saratoga Tree Nursery Program was started in 1902. The State Nursery in Saratoga began in 1911. The Nursery Program survived the Great Depression, and created many jobs for Civilian Conservation Corps men and women in the 30's who were instrumental in re- planting the barren areas in New York with seedlings grown at NY State operated nurseries.
At one time NY had as many as 9 state operated nurseries. All nursery operations were consolidated to Saratoga in 1972.
Today the Saratoga Tree Nursery produces and supplies over 1.2 million seedlings a year to New York residents at cost for various conservation plantings such as soil erosion control, wildlife habitat improvement, and the creation of riparian buffer zones. The Nursery produces NY seed source seedlings from seed collected by its staff from orchards they maintain throughout NY. The seedlings produced at Saratoga preserves the qualities of New York natives which have shown superb characteristics.
The Tree Nursery also supplies over 32,000 seedlings to NY state schools through the "School Seedling Program". This program is open to all NY public and private schools and offers 50 free seedlings to each school that applies to be used within their curriculum. Tree awareness and respect for our environment needs to start with NY's youth
If the State Tree Nursery closes the cost of the many ongoing conservation projects in NY will increase significantly. Many would no longer be cost effective to pursue. Those projects which continue will not have the benefit of using local NY seed source material. The integrity of NY's forests could be at stake. The State Nursery also gives away tens of thousands of seedlings to NY residents during special events (Arbor Day, fairs, Environmental events) in order to promote tree planting and preservation. The Saratoga Nursery also produces 40,000 flowers a year for use at DEC campgrounds and facilities. The Nursery also supplies seedlings used to replant state land and for other special projects throughout NY.
If you agree that the NYS DEC Saratoga Tree Nursery is still a vital part of the preservation of the New York State environment please contact your local state legislative representatives, Commissioner Grannis of DEC, and even the Governor's Office and tell them NY still needs its Nursery and that the vital role it plays can not be replaced.
Thank you for your support,
Friends of Saratoga Tree nursery
saratoga spa busy putting in lots of toilets everywhere and cutting down many healthy looking trees.
In these very tough economic times, NYS Parks apparently decided being able to swim for a reasonable fee in upstate New Yorks very short summer of June, July and August is not their priority. They never consult the public whose taxes pay for the Parks.
Possible raise of Victoria Pool fee from $6-$8 with no season pass and closing Peerless Pool on Tuesdays.
Swimmers at state parks to feel heat from budget cuts
SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Peerless Pool at Saratoga Spa State Park will be closed on Tuesdays this summer as a result of state budget cuts, officials announced today.
Alane Ball Chinian, the regional director for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said that date was selected because it is the day the facility sees the least number of visitors.
Several other swimming outlets in the region, including the beaches at Cherry Plain State Park, Thompson’s Lake State Park and Grafton Lakes State Park, will also be closed for two days each week as a result of budget cuts.
"When you reduce the days down to five or six here or there, that helps us quite a bit overall," Chinian said.
Overall, 100 parks and historic sites in the state are seeing reductions in hours or a shortening of their seasons. None will be closed in full, however.
But the Victoria Pool, also located in Saratoga Spa State Park, will remain open seven days a week. Both pools at Saratoga Spa State Park will be open from June 27 through Labor Day as usual.
The beach at Moreau Lake State Park will also remain open as normal.
All swimming outlets in the region will close an hour earlier, however, leaving them open eight hours a day instead of nine hours a day, officials said.
Fees for pool admissions and other park services such as pavilion rentals are also likely to be changed as a result of budget cuts, but specifics have not yet been released.
A draft proposal that was circulated earlier this year showed entrance fees for the Victoria Pool going from $3 to $4 for children and from $6 to $8 for adults.
The parks themselves, though, will keep their admission rates at $6, officials said.
This story originally appeared on PostStar.
SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Peerless Pool at Saratoga Spa State Park will be closed on Tuesdays this summer as a result of state budget cuts, officials announced today.
Alane Ball Chinian, the regional director for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said that date was selected because it is the day the facility sees the least number of visitors.
Several other swimming outlets in the region, including the beaches at Cherry Plain State Park, Thompson’s Lake State Park and Grafton Lakes State Park, will also be closed for two days each week as a result of budget cuts.
"When you reduce the days down to five or six here or there, that helps us quite a bit overall," Chinian said.
Overall, 100 parks and historic sites in the state are seeing reductions in hours or a shortening of their seasons. None will be closed in full, however.
But the Victoria Pool, also located in Saratoga Spa State Park, will remain open seven days a week. Both pools at Saratoga Spa State Park will be open from June 27 through Labor Day as usual.
The beach at Moreau Lake State Park will also remain open as normal.
All swimming outlets in the region will close an hour earlier, however, leaving them open eight hours a day instead of nine hours a day, officials said.
Fees for pool admissions and other park services such as pavilion rentals are also likely to be changed as a result of budget cuts, but specifics have not yet been released.
A draft proposal that was circulated earlier this year showed entrance fees for the Victoria Pool going from $3 to $4 for children and from $6 to $8 for adults.
The parks themselves, though, will keep their admission rates at $6, officials said.
This story originally appeared on PostStar.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
our trees nursery neighbor is definitely worth saving.
Last New York tree nursery’s fate uncertain
Friday, April 17, 2009
By PAUL POST
The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Tree Nursery survived the Great Depression when its seedlings gave Civilian Conservation Corps workers jobs to help stimulate the economy.
Today, however, the 250-acre facility is on the state’s chopping block and faces possible closure as soon as July 1.
Founded 98 years ago, it’s the only state tree nursery left in New York, distributing 1.2 million seedlings annually that are used for a variety of important purposes — erosion prevention, habitat improvement, wildlife food, wetland mitigation.
“It’s ironic that this is one of the first programs they’re looking to end when we helped the economy back in the ’30s,” nursery Manager David Lee said. “This is one of the few DEC programs left that isn’t regulatory. We’re providing a service to New York state that benefits the environment. It isn’t ‘Big Brother’ watching you. Unfortunately these are the programs being hit.
“DEC’s going to be left as a law enforcement and regulatory agency.”
A state Department of Environmental Conservation press officer was not immediately available for comment. The tree nursery is part of the DEC’s Division of Lands and Forests, one of several along with the divisions of water, air quality and fish and wildlife.
“There’s nothing that has been etched in stone,” Lands and Forests Director Robert Davies said. “All the agencies have been asked by the governor’s office to put together a plan. It’s no secret that the nursery has been looked at for potential cost savings in the past.”
This year, however, with a $14 billion deficit looming, it’s facing the glare of budget-conscious state officials. The nursery’s fate could rest with the outcome of negotiations between Gov. David Paterson and state employees’ unions. The governor has asked union leaders to accept a wage hike freeze, which they’ve rejected to date. Without it, programs and services including the tree nursery would have to be cut.
“That’s what we’ve been asked to begin exploring,” Davies said.
Lee, who oversees a staff of 10 full-time and up to 60 seasonal workers, is urging residents to contact elected officials and DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis, asking them to save the facility.
Workers are currently in the process of harvesting, grading and distributing seedlings, primarily to private landowners for conservation plantings. Once seedlings are distributed, the nursery’s 80 acres of production beds will be prepared for a new round of plantings. Such work could be for naught, at considerable expense, if the facility is forced to close this summer.
“We’ll still have 5 million to 6 million seedlings in the ground,” Lee said. “We have 50 species of shrubs, hardwoods and conifers.”
The nursery is the only place in New York that collects native seed, helping perpetuate native species such as red pine, white pine, red oak and sugar maple. If the nursery closes, people could still buy such trees, but not as seedlings in bulk numbers at affordable prices.
“It’s going to be a lot more expensive,” Lee said.
In addition, a red pine grown from New York seed may be heartier than one from Southern states, such as Georgia, whose trees are used to milder climates.
For the time being, nursery workers are carrying on with normal operations, hoping their livelihoods won’t be uprooted.
“Until I’m officially told to stop our production, we’ll continue business as usual,” Lee said.
Friday, April 17, 2009
By PAUL POST
The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Tree Nursery survived the Great Depression when its seedlings gave Civilian Conservation Corps workers jobs to help stimulate the economy.
Today, however, the 250-acre facility is on the state’s chopping block and faces possible closure as soon as July 1.
Founded 98 years ago, it’s the only state tree nursery left in New York, distributing 1.2 million seedlings annually that are used for a variety of important purposes — erosion prevention, habitat improvement, wildlife food, wetland mitigation.
“It’s ironic that this is one of the first programs they’re looking to end when we helped the economy back in the ’30s,” nursery Manager David Lee said. “This is one of the few DEC programs left that isn’t regulatory. We’re providing a service to New York state that benefits the environment. It isn’t ‘Big Brother’ watching you. Unfortunately these are the programs being hit.
“DEC’s going to be left as a law enforcement and regulatory agency.”
A state Department of Environmental Conservation press officer was not immediately available for comment. The tree nursery is part of the DEC’s Division of Lands and Forests, one of several along with the divisions of water, air quality and fish and wildlife.
“There’s nothing that has been etched in stone,” Lands and Forests Director Robert Davies said. “All the agencies have been asked by the governor’s office to put together a plan. It’s no secret that the nursery has been looked at for potential cost savings in the past.”
This year, however, with a $14 billion deficit looming, it’s facing the glare of budget-conscious state officials. The nursery’s fate could rest with the outcome of negotiations between Gov. David Paterson and state employees’ unions. The governor has asked union leaders to accept a wage hike freeze, which they’ve rejected to date. Without it, programs and services including the tree nursery would have to be cut.
“That’s what we’ve been asked to begin exploring,” Davies said.
Lee, who oversees a staff of 10 full-time and up to 60 seasonal workers, is urging residents to contact elected officials and DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis, asking them to save the facility.
Workers are currently in the process of harvesting, grading and distributing seedlings, primarily to private landowners for conservation plantings. Once seedlings are distributed, the nursery’s 80 acres of production beds will be prepared for a new round of plantings. Such work could be for naught, at considerable expense, if the facility is forced to close this summer.
“We’ll still have 5 million to 6 million seedlings in the ground,” Lee said. “We have 50 species of shrubs, hardwoods and conifers.”
The nursery is the only place in New York that collects native seed, helping perpetuate native species such as red pine, white pine, red oak and sugar maple. If the nursery closes, people could still buy such trees, but not as seedlings in bulk numbers at affordable prices.
“It’s going to be a lot more expensive,” Lee said.
In addition, a red pine grown from New York seed may be heartier than one from Southern states, such as Georgia, whose trees are used to milder climates.
For the time being, nursery workers are carrying on with normal operations, hoping their livelihoods won’t be uprooted.
“Until I’m officially told to stop our production, we’ll continue business as usual,” Lee said.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
nothing to do with the park but copy/paste this into your browser and enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnmbJzH93NU
Monday, April 13, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
pools to close an hr. earlier and fees being questioned? Victoria Pool may be raised to $8?!!
Swimmers at state parks to feel heat from budget cuts
By DREW KERR
dkerr@poststar.com
Updated: Thursday, April 9, 2009 10:34 AM EDT
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The Peerless Pool at Saratoga Spa State Park will be closed on Tuesdays this summer as a result of state budget cuts, officials announced today.
Alane Ball Chinian, the regional director for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said that date was selected because it is the day the facility sees the least number of visitors.
Several other swimming outlets in the region, including the beaches at Cherry Plain State Park, Thompson’s Lake State Park and Grafton Lakes State Park, will also be closed for two days each week as a result of budget cuts.
"When you reduce the days down to five or six here or there, that helps us quite a bit overall," Chinian said.
Overall, 100 parks and historic sites in the state are seeing reductions in hours or a shortening of their seasons. None will be closed in full, however.
But the Victoria Pool, also located in Saratoga Spa State Park, will remain open seven days a week. Both pools at Saratoga Spa State Park will be open from June 27 through Labor Day as usual.
The beach at Moreau Lake State Park will also remain open as normal.
All swimming outlets in the region will close an hour earlier, however, leaving them open eight hours a day instead of nine hours a day, officials said.
Fees for pool admissions and other park services such as pavilion rentals are also likely to be changed as a result of budget cuts, but specifics have not yet been released.
A draft proposal that was circulated earlier this year showed entrance fees for the Victoria Pool going from $3 to $4 for children and from $6 to $8 for adults.
The parks themselves, though, will keep their admission rates at $6, officials said.
Read more on the cutbacks in Friday's Post-Star and on poststar.com.
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By DREW KERR
dkerr@poststar.com
Updated: Thursday, April 9, 2009 10:34 AM EDT
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The Peerless Pool at Saratoga Spa State Park will be closed on Tuesdays this summer as a result of state budget cuts, officials announced today.
Alane Ball Chinian, the regional director for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said that date was selected because it is the day the facility sees the least number of visitors.
Several other swimming outlets in the region, including the beaches at Cherry Plain State Park, Thompson’s Lake State Park and Grafton Lakes State Park, will also be closed for two days each week as a result of budget cuts.
"When you reduce the days down to five or six here or there, that helps us quite a bit overall," Chinian said.
Overall, 100 parks and historic sites in the state are seeing reductions in hours or a shortening of their seasons. None will be closed in full, however.
But the Victoria Pool, also located in Saratoga Spa State Park, will remain open seven days a week. Both pools at Saratoga Spa State Park will be open from June 27 through Labor Day as usual.
The beach at Moreau Lake State Park will also remain open as normal.
All swimming outlets in the region will close an hour earlier, however, leaving them open eight hours a day instead of nine hours a day, officials said.
Fees for pool admissions and other park services such as pavilion rentals are also likely to be changed as a result of budget cuts, but specifics have not yet been released.
A draft proposal that was circulated earlier this year showed entrance fees for the Victoria Pool going from $3 to $4 for children and from $6 to $8 for adults.
The parks themselves, though, will keep their admission rates at $6, officials said.
Read more on the cutbacks in Friday's Post-Star and on poststar.com.
» Subscribe to The Post-Star and save! Click here to find out how
» Subscribe to email and cell phone alerts and breaking news
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Friday, April 10, 2009
Closing Peerless Pool on Tuesdays when the track is "dark" and it is the most crowded makes no sense unless Parks doesn't need the money.
By PAUL POST, The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Spa State Park’s Peerless Pool will be closed Tuesdays this summer, one of many cutbacks announced Thursday in the face of the state’s fiscal crisis.The Victoria Pool will remain open seven days per week.Elsewhere in Saratoga County, Peebles Island State Park’s visitor center will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays. It was previously open six days per week.Throughout the Saratoga-Capital Region, impacts include partial beach closings, shortened camping seasons and reduced historic site operations."State parks, like all state agencies, are responding to the current economic realities," Commissioner Carol Ash said. "We have been charged with making many difficult decisions. By concentrating the changes to the shoulder seasons, off-peak hours or facilities where similar services are available nearby, we hope to minimize the impact on our patrons."Statewide, about 100 parks and historic sites will be affected, but no parks will be closed outright and daily entrance fees are not going up.In addition to Spa State Park and Peebles Island, several other sites are impacted inthe Saratoga-Capital Region.They are:ä Cherry Plain State Park — Swimming beach closed Monday and Tuesday. Campground will open late (July 4) and close early (Sept. 7).ä Grafton Lakes State Park — Swimming beach closed Wednesday and Thursday.ä Max V. Shaul State Park — Shortened campground season. Open Memorial Weekend only, reopening July 4 through Labor Day.ä Thompson Lake State Park — Swimming beach closed Tuesday and Wednesday.ä Historic sites — Shortened seasons, reduced hours and/or reduced programming at Crown Point, Johnson Hall, Schuyler Mansion and Bennington Battlefield Historic Sites.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Spa State Park’s Peerless Pool will be closed Tuesdays this summer, one of many cutbacks announced Thursday in the face of the state’s fiscal crisis.The Victoria Pool will remain open seven days per week.Elsewhere in Saratoga County, Peebles Island State Park’s visitor center will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays. It was previously open six days per week.Throughout the Saratoga-Capital Region, impacts include partial beach closings, shortened camping seasons and reduced historic site operations."State parks, like all state agencies, are responding to the current economic realities," Commissioner Carol Ash said. "We have been charged with making many difficult decisions. By concentrating the changes to the shoulder seasons, off-peak hours or facilities where similar services are available nearby, we hope to minimize the impact on our patrons."Statewide, about 100 parks and historic sites will be affected, but no parks will be closed outright and daily entrance fees are not going up.In addition to Spa State Park and Peebles Island, several other sites are impacted inthe Saratoga-Capital Region.They are:ä Cherry Plain State Park — Swimming beach closed Monday and Tuesday. Campground will open late (July 4) and close early (Sept. 7).ä Grafton Lakes State Park — Swimming beach closed Wednesday and Thursday.ä Max V. Shaul State Park — Shortened campground season. Open Memorial Weekend only, reopening July 4 through Labor Day.ä Thompson Lake State Park — Swimming beach closed Tuesday and Wednesday.ä Historic sites — Shortened seasons, reduced hours and/or reduced programming at Crown Point, Johnson Hall, Schuyler Mansion and Bennington Battlefield Historic Sites.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Reason for massacre of trees in Park revealed!
Publication:Schenectady Daily Gazette;
Date:Mar 25, 2009;
Section:Saratoga;
Page:29
SARATOGA SPRINGS
Cutting preps for tee time
Firm removes vegetation on park golf course
BY LEE COLEMAN Gazette Reporter More than $100,000 in tree and vegetation removal work has been done this winter on the championship 18-hole golf course at the Saratoga Spa State Park. But the money isn’t coming from state coffers. Tree removals on the 10th, 15th, 16th and 17th fairways on the state park course were done in February and earlier this month to open up heavily shaded areas and improve turf quality, according to Alane Ball Chinian, administrator of the Saratoga-Capital District Region of the state Offi ce of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Chinian stressed that the money is not coming from the state parks office but from Professional Golf Services Inc. of Saratoga Springs. The principal of this firm is golf professional William Richardson of Loudonville, who was awarded a 20-year contract to operate the two Saratoga Spa State Park golf courses in 2002. The tree removal work is the first phase of a multi-year, $3 million-plus investment Professional Golf Services is making on the well-regarded state park courses. “The trees had gotten too big,” Chinian said about what were mainly pine trees. She said the state parks offi ce had a natural resource manager check the trees earmarked to be removed to make sure that they did not have any special importance to the state park. The goal of the project is to increase sunlight and air movement in a number of densely-vegetated areas of the course. A statement about the project says that the tree and vegetation removals will “improve turf quality, playing conditions and the visual appearance of the course.” Professional Golf Services Inc. hired Scott Lawn Yard of Sanborn to complete the $100,600 project. The contract includes complete restoration of the areas where the trees and other vegetation were removed. This work will be done in April and May. “Vegetation removal took place in late February and March in an effort to limit the amount of disturbance to the frozen ground and cause the least disruption to the normal use of the park,” according to a joint statement from Professional Golf Services Inc. and the state parks office. Future projects being planned by Professional Golf Services include upgrades to the course irrigation systems, bunker restoration, drainage work and cart path work. “We hope and expect that the next phase of investment will began this fall,” said Richardson, president of Professional Golf Services. Richardson said that the tree and vegetation removal project follows the recommendations of a March 2006 report from the United States Golf Association after representatives of the USGA visited the state park to assess the course and how it could be improved. In March 2002, Professional Golf Services Inc. and the state Offi ce of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation signed a 20-year agreement that has Richardson’s company running the park’s two golf courses — the 18-hole championship course and the nine-hole executive course — as well as operating the golf pro shop and associated concessions. In return, Richardson’s firm is investing more than $3 million in course improvements and pays the state a percentage of gross receipts from the golf courses. “This course is unique, affordable and a historic part of the Spa experience,” Chinian said. “We are grateful that our private partner can continue to invest in the maintenance of this great golf course.” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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The piper comes calling for our great parks system
By FRED LEBRUN Click byline for more stories by writer. First published: Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Of all the recreational services and venues the state provides, the one that touches more of us than any other is our terrific park system.
Last year, our 178 state parks and 35 historic sites had 55.7 million visitors. Most of those visitors were New Yorkers loving New York.
And according to a study by the University of Massachusetts commissioned by advocacy group Parks and Trails New York, all that traffic generated $1.94 billion spent right here at home, mostly going to private businesses close to the parks, and supported 20,000 jobs. For every dollar we spent on the park system, we got $5.50 back. That's a pretty good return.
Just think of the quality-of-life assets we have locally in Thacher up in the Helderbergs, Grafton on the Rensselaer plateau and, of course, the queen of them all, Saratoga Spa.
And also think the unthinkable, of what it would be like without them, because our state parks are in trouble.
Not imperiled, or about to close. But troubled, badly in need of continued capital improvements to stave off disaster over time. Some parks have outdated and inadequate electrical systems, or out-of-compliance septic and sewer systems, or approach roads that are crumbling, or landfills that need closing, or unsafe dams that need replacing. The list of needs is as long as the state.
One prime example of how badly out of whack the parks system is relates to the extremely popular Harriman State Park in Rockland and Orange counties. This park is one of the great breaths of fresh air for millions of downstaters and serves as a summer camp experience for many New York City kids.
Drinking water for the group camps at Harriman has to be brought in by tank car because there isn't enough money to fix and upgrade the existing piping system.
During the 12 years of the Pataki administration, great gains were made in acquiring new parks, but funding for capital improvements and maintenance costs did not keep up with acquisitions. Now the piper is at the door and he's tapping his foot.
When Carol Ash became commissioner of the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation with the arrival of the Spitzer administration, an astounding $650 million to $750 million in needed capital repairs were identified. Parks got a good start last year with an infusion of $132 million to begin addressing the worst of it, notes Timothy Sweeney of Parks and Trails. More than $75 million of that came courtesy of state-issued bonds approved by the Legislature, an appropriate use of long term financing.
Which brings us to the uncomfortable place we're at this year.
Governor Paterson's proposed budget included $19 million each for Parks and the Department of Environmental Conservation for capital improvements, with the funds coming from the Environmental Protection Fund. But the Legislature is disinclined to use the embattled EPF for this purpose, having other uses for those revenues. There's a battle royale, in fact, shaping up over attempts to extract all manner of stewardship funds from the EPF. But that's another story.
Still, this leaves critically needed funding for capital improvements in our park system in limbo.
Not that the Legislature is about to leave our beloved parks system high and dry, but the alarm needs to be sounded anyway. A figure being buzzed by some in the Legislature is $40 million in state bonding for parks in the budget.
Bonding is the way to go, more reliable than depending on plummeting state revenues.
Commissioner Ash says she has $100 million in shovel-ready projects, so the $40 million will be put to immediate use.
You'd think the $26.1 billion federal stimulus package for New York would be just the perfect bank for parks rehab money.
But Ash says there isn't a dime for state parks in the stimulus package.
Capital improvements are one thing, the operating budget another entirely. There isn't enough money there, either, but that's the economic reality of the moment. We got a taste of where that's going with the partial closure of the Schodack park for the winter and the use of volunteers to keep it limping along.
"We are not going to close any park completely," says the commissioner.
Instead, the length of upcoming season may be shortened, and so may operating hours. And yes, some fees are bound to go up. Not the entrance fees, but camping permits will rise from $13 to $15, for example.
"We trying to limit the impact as much as we can. We realize the huge amount of happiness our parks bring," says Ash.
Right she is, and this is no time to pull the plug on that.
Fred LeBrun can be reached at 454-5453 or by e-mail at flebrun@timesunion.com.
Date:Mar 25, 2009;
Section:Saratoga;
Page:29
SARATOGA SPRINGS
Cutting preps for tee time
Firm removes vegetation on park golf course
BY LEE COLEMAN Gazette Reporter More than $100,000 in tree and vegetation removal work has been done this winter on the championship 18-hole golf course at the Saratoga Spa State Park. But the money isn’t coming from state coffers. Tree removals on the 10th, 15th, 16th and 17th fairways on the state park course were done in February and earlier this month to open up heavily shaded areas and improve turf quality, according to Alane Ball Chinian, administrator of the Saratoga-Capital District Region of the state Offi ce of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Chinian stressed that the money is not coming from the state parks office but from Professional Golf Services Inc. of Saratoga Springs. The principal of this firm is golf professional William Richardson of Loudonville, who was awarded a 20-year contract to operate the two Saratoga Spa State Park golf courses in 2002. The tree removal work is the first phase of a multi-year, $3 million-plus investment Professional Golf Services is making on the well-regarded state park courses. “The trees had gotten too big,” Chinian said about what were mainly pine trees. She said the state parks offi ce had a natural resource manager check the trees earmarked to be removed to make sure that they did not have any special importance to the state park. The goal of the project is to increase sunlight and air movement in a number of densely-vegetated areas of the course. A statement about the project says that the tree and vegetation removals will “improve turf quality, playing conditions and the visual appearance of the course.” Professional Golf Services Inc. hired Scott Lawn Yard of Sanborn to complete the $100,600 project. The contract includes complete restoration of the areas where the trees and other vegetation were removed. This work will be done in April and May. “Vegetation removal took place in late February and March in an effort to limit the amount of disturbance to the frozen ground and cause the least disruption to the normal use of the park,” according to a joint statement from Professional Golf Services Inc. and the state parks office. Future projects being planned by Professional Golf Services include upgrades to the course irrigation systems, bunker restoration, drainage work and cart path work. “We hope and expect that the next phase of investment will began this fall,” said Richardson, president of Professional Golf Services. Richardson said that the tree and vegetation removal project follows the recommendations of a March 2006 report from the United States Golf Association after representatives of the USGA visited the state park to assess the course and how it could be improved. In March 2002, Professional Golf Services Inc. and the state Offi ce of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation signed a 20-year agreement that has Richardson’s company running the park’s two golf courses — the 18-hole championship course and the nine-hole executive course — as well as operating the golf pro shop and associated concessions. In return, Richardson’s firm is investing more than $3 million in course improvements and pays the state a percentage of gross receipts from the golf courses. “This course is unique, affordable and a historic part of the Spa experience,” Chinian said. “We are grateful that our private partner can continue to invest in the maintenance of this great golf course.” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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The piper comes calling for our great parks system
By FRED LEBRUN Click byline for more stories by writer. First published: Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Of all the recreational services and venues the state provides, the one that touches more of us than any other is our terrific park system.
Last year, our 178 state parks and 35 historic sites had 55.7 million visitors. Most of those visitors were New Yorkers loving New York.
And according to a study by the University of Massachusetts commissioned by advocacy group Parks and Trails New York, all that traffic generated $1.94 billion spent right here at home, mostly going to private businesses close to the parks, and supported 20,000 jobs. For every dollar we spent on the park system, we got $5.50 back. That's a pretty good return.
Just think of the quality-of-life assets we have locally in Thacher up in the Helderbergs, Grafton on the Rensselaer plateau and, of course, the queen of them all, Saratoga Spa.
And also think the unthinkable, of what it would be like without them, because our state parks are in trouble.
Not imperiled, or about to close. But troubled, badly in need of continued capital improvements to stave off disaster over time. Some parks have outdated and inadequate electrical systems, or out-of-compliance septic and sewer systems, or approach roads that are crumbling, or landfills that need closing, or unsafe dams that need replacing. The list of needs is as long as the state.
One prime example of how badly out of whack the parks system is relates to the extremely popular Harriman State Park in Rockland and Orange counties. This park is one of the great breaths of fresh air for millions of downstaters and serves as a summer camp experience for many New York City kids.
Drinking water for the group camps at Harriman has to be brought in by tank car because there isn't enough money to fix and upgrade the existing piping system.
During the 12 years of the Pataki administration, great gains were made in acquiring new parks, but funding for capital improvements and maintenance costs did not keep up with acquisitions. Now the piper is at the door and he's tapping his foot.
When Carol Ash became commissioner of the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation with the arrival of the Spitzer administration, an astounding $650 million to $750 million in needed capital repairs were identified. Parks got a good start last year with an infusion of $132 million to begin addressing the worst of it, notes Timothy Sweeney of Parks and Trails. More than $75 million of that came courtesy of state-issued bonds approved by the Legislature, an appropriate use of long term financing.
Which brings us to the uncomfortable place we're at this year.
Governor Paterson's proposed budget included $19 million each for Parks and the Department of Environmental Conservation for capital improvements, with the funds coming from the Environmental Protection Fund. But the Legislature is disinclined to use the embattled EPF for this purpose, having other uses for those revenues. There's a battle royale, in fact, shaping up over attempts to extract all manner of stewardship funds from the EPF. But that's another story.
Still, this leaves critically needed funding for capital improvements in our park system in limbo.
Not that the Legislature is about to leave our beloved parks system high and dry, but the alarm needs to be sounded anyway. A figure being buzzed by some in the Legislature is $40 million in state bonding for parks in the budget.
Bonding is the way to go, more reliable than depending on plummeting state revenues.
Commissioner Ash says she has $100 million in shovel-ready projects, so the $40 million will be put to immediate use.
You'd think the $26.1 billion federal stimulus package for New York would be just the perfect bank for parks rehab money.
But Ash says there isn't a dime for state parks in the stimulus package.
Capital improvements are one thing, the operating budget another entirely. There isn't enough money there, either, but that's the economic reality of the moment. We got a taste of where that's going with the partial closure of the Schodack park for the winter and the use of volunteers to keep it limping along.
"We are not going to close any park completely," says the commissioner.
Instead, the length of upcoming season may be shortened, and so may operating hours. And yes, some fees are bound to go up. Not the entrance fees, but camping permits will rise from $13 to $15, for example.
"We trying to limit the impact as much as we can. We realize the huge amount of happiness our parks bring," says Ash.
Right she is, and this is no time to pull the plug on that.
Fred LeBrun can be reached at 454-5453 or by e-mail at flebrun@timesunion.com.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
State planning layoffs of 8,900 jobs, times union,3/24/09
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State planning layoffs: 8,900 jobs to be trimmed from payroll
Letter cites failure to secure givebacks from unions
By RICK KARLIN, Capitol bureau Click byline for more stories by writer. Last updated: 4:56 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2009
ALBANY — Citing a $16.2 billion budget deficit that appears to be growing larger by the day, Gov. David Paterson this afternoon said his administration will eliminate 8,900 jobs, starting this summer.
"This is not a decision that has been reached lightly," said a letter that went out minutes ago from Paterson's state operations director Dennis Whalen.
"However, given the fact that savings through labor concessions were not achieved, Governor Paterson was forced to make this difficult decision for the good of the entire state."
Budget Division spokesman Jeffrey Gordon said the job cuts will probably start in July and they apply to "full-time equivalents," which means some of the target might be reached by attrition.
In his message to agency heads, Whalen said they will be providing updates and bulletins over the next few weeks.
Still unknown was where most of the cuts may fall, by geography and by agency.
State planning layoffs: 8,900 jobs to be trimmed from payroll
Letter cites failure to secure givebacks from unions
By RICK KARLIN, Capitol bureau Click byline for more stories by writer. Last updated: 4:56 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2009
ALBANY — Citing a $16.2 billion budget deficit that appears to be growing larger by the day, Gov. David Paterson this afternoon said his administration will eliminate 8,900 jobs, starting this summer.
"This is not a decision that has been reached lightly," said a letter that went out minutes ago from Paterson's state operations director Dennis Whalen.
"However, given the fact that savings through labor concessions were not achieved, Governor Paterson was forced to make this difficult decision for the good of the entire state."
Budget Division spokesman Jeffrey Gordon said the job cuts will probably start in July and they apply to "full-time equivalents," which means some of the target might be reached by attrition.
In his message to agency heads, Whalen said they will be providing updates and bulletins over the next few weeks.
Still unknown was where most of the cuts may fall, by geography and by agency.
Gideon Putnam Hotel renovation project underway by Delaware North, Post Star, 3/24/09
With all the fancy renovations going on to the Gideon Putnam Hotel we're sure their guests would enjoy swimming at the Victoria Pool on the many hot days in June as well as July and August.
SARATOGA SPRINGS - The New Deal has a fresh coat of paint.The first phase of a multi-million dollar renovation project in the Saratoga Spa State Park is nearing completion, with the Gideon Putnam Hotel getting ready to celebrate its 75th birthday with a number of improvements."Basically, the work will be done in four phases," said Tim Smith, general manager of the Gideon Putnam Hotel and Conference Center.The first phase of renovations includes improvements to the hotel lobby, guest rooms, the spa, the gift shop and the Georgian Room Restaurant -- which has been renamed "Putnam's" in honor of the 18th century Saratoga Springs town planner.
The first phase of improvements cost about $1 million and is part of a 20-year plan that will see nearly $20 million spent on refurbishing the 120-room hotel, conference center and Roosevelt Bath.Delaware North Companies was awarded a 20-year lease to operate the buildings on the state-owned 2,300-acre Saratoga Spa State Park in January 2008.
The park buildings were constructed in the 1930s and signified one of the first major projects completed under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal.Roosevelt, who served four years as governor of New York prior to his 12 years in The White House, targeted the park as a location to create a European-style spa in America.The Roosevelt Spa received national notoriety in 2007 when New York Post reporter Fred Dicker reported the baths, which were thought to be drawn from pure mineral water, were actually being diluted with city tap water.Due to the corrosive nature of the mineral water, the heating units were unable to function properly, and it was revealed the bathhouse was using heated tap water to bring the mineral water up to bath temperatures.
After then-Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno called the dilution of the mineral water "a serious fraud," a $55,000 engineering study was performed, and two of the 42 baths are now served by a $98,000 customized heating system.Water for the remaining tubs is still warmed to 97 degrees with tap water, but Smith said there are discussions under way to try and provide more tubs with warm, pure mineral water."We haven't made any long-term decisions yet, but we are working with the state," Smith said. "My understanding is we're looking at two more (tubs) that I believe will be installed within the next couple of months," he said.
The next phase of improvements will begin in late 2009 or early 2010 and will focus on the Gideon Putnam Hotel infrastructure, including boiler systems and plumbing."Typically, with a historical hotel, you have to go back in and replace the inner workings of the property," Smith said.
SARATOGA SPRINGS - The New Deal has a fresh coat of paint.The first phase of a multi-million dollar renovation project in the Saratoga Spa State Park is nearing completion, with the Gideon Putnam Hotel getting ready to celebrate its 75th birthday with a number of improvements."Basically, the work will be done in four phases," said Tim Smith, general manager of the Gideon Putnam Hotel and Conference Center.The first phase of renovations includes improvements to the hotel lobby, guest rooms, the spa, the gift shop and the Georgian Room Restaurant -- which has been renamed "Putnam's" in honor of the 18th century Saratoga Springs town planner.
The first phase of improvements cost about $1 million and is part of a 20-year plan that will see nearly $20 million spent on refurbishing the 120-room hotel, conference center and Roosevelt Bath.Delaware North Companies was awarded a 20-year lease to operate the buildings on the state-owned 2,300-acre Saratoga Spa State Park in January 2008.
The park buildings were constructed in the 1930s and signified one of the first major projects completed under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal.Roosevelt, who served four years as governor of New York prior to his 12 years in The White House, targeted the park as a location to create a European-style spa in America.The Roosevelt Spa received national notoriety in 2007 when New York Post reporter Fred Dicker reported the baths, which were thought to be drawn from pure mineral water, were actually being diluted with city tap water.Due to the corrosive nature of the mineral water, the heating units were unable to function properly, and it was revealed the bathhouse was using heated tap water to bring the mineral water up to bath temperatures.
After then-Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno called the dilution of the mineral water "a serious fraud," a $55,000 engineering study was performed, and two of the 42 baths are now served by a $98,000 customized heating system.Water for the remaining tubs is still warmed to 97 degrees with tap water, but Smith said there are discussions under way to try and provide more tubs with warm, pure mineral water."We haven't made any long-term decisions yet, but we are working with the state," Smith said. "My understanding is we're looking at two more (tubs) that I believe will be installed within the next couple of months," he said.
The next phase of improvements will begin in late 2009 or early 2010 and will focus on the Gideon Putnam Hotel infrastructure, including boiler systems and plumbing."Typically, with a historical hotel, you have to go back in and replace the inner workings of the property," Smith said.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
SPAC Board meets and more on ceiling paint fiasco, Saratogian,3/21/09
SPAC board talks finance
Saturday, March 21, 2009 5:15 AM EDT
By PAUL POST, The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Saratoga Performing Arts Center investments have dropped 26 percent, but its financial picture remains strong considering the economy, officials said Friday.SPAC has not dipped into investments — totaling $3.1 million — for operations since deciding to pay its debts off three years ago.The center has an $885,000 operating surplus and current assets of $1.5 million versus liabilities of just under $500,000. SPAC posted a modest year-end surplus for the fourth straight year in 2008.“We will be the last man standing in many respects in the area arts community,” board chairman William Dake said. “We started being pretty hard-nosed on this issue six months ago.”Among other things, SPAC has instituted a salary and hiring freeze and is relying heavily on interns who possess electronic, technology and contemporary media skills. “To get an intern who knows more than you do is quite an asset,” Dake said.SPAC announced a new cross-promotional marketing effort with The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls and Saratoga ArtsFest. However, there was no discussion at Friday’s board meeting about negotiations with Live Nation, which books and promotes SPAC’s popular music events. Live Nation’s contract expires at the end of the 2009 summer season.Under the current pact, Live Nation pays SPAC $1 million per year plus a share of ticket revenue once attendance hits a certain threshold. SPAC President Marcia White has said it’s important to get as close to those terms as possible in the next contract.Citing different reports, Dake said the economy has taken its toll on arts groups nationwide. Donations have dropped off significantly and 10 percent of the 10,000 arts organizations in America might go out of business this year, he said.“It’s not just affecting the arts,” board member Heather Mabee said. She said attendance is off significantly at this month’s basketball tournaments around the country.Marketing Committee Chairman Ed Lewi said NASCAR has been hit hard, too, and is lowering ticket prices to bring crowds back. Among this year’s promotions, SPAC will again have an American Girl Night and Girls Night out along with Date Nights and Family Nights every Thursday and Friday, respectively.The main new initiative is a partnership with The Hyde that is planning an upcoming summer exhibit, “Degas & Music,” based on the work of French Impressionist painter Edgar Degas (1834-1917).“Instead of being at cross purposes, we’re cross-promoting,” said David Setford, The Hyde’s executive director. “This is certainly the way for the future. Instead of being isolated in our attempt to reach audiences, we’re joining forces.“Music rather than painting was the underpinning of Degas’ artistic life.”The cross between those art forms will be emphasized in several scheduled events. They are:- Friday, Aug. 7 — Young chamber musicians will play at The Hyde, including featured pianist Jean-Frederic Neuberger of Paris. This fundraiser will have pre- and post-performance receptions.- Monday, Aug. 10 — A full-length chamber music program at Spa Little Theater also featuring Neuberger.- Saturday, Aug. 15 — A special Philadelphia Orchestra performance called “An Evening with Degas.” The concert will be accompanied by images of Degas’ works on SPAC’s large cinema screens.Chief Operating Officer Richard Geary said memberships are currently down 10 to 12 percent versus 2008. But 2009 season programs are just being mailed out. Typically, this boosts memberships when people get to see the program first-hand.SPAC’s annual meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 13 at Saratoga Spa State Park’s Hall of Springs.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPAC Paint-job repairs to beat season opening
Saturday, March 21, 2009 5:15 AM EDT
By PAUL POST, The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A peeling paint problem is only cosmetic and will be resolved before Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s season begins, officials said Friday.The amphitheater’s ceiling was painted three years ago as part of a major interior renovation that included the installation of 5,200 new padded seats.Working within budget constraints, crews scraped off and painted over old paint rather than sand-blasting the entire ceiling down to its plaster surface. Now, sections of old paint have started to peel.“You have so much to spend,” SPAC Facilities Committee Chairman John Nigro said. “Instead of sandblasting, which was probably costlier, they sanded. It’ll be repaired.“It’s purely cosmetic.”The amphitheater, which SPAC leases, is owned by the state that maintains and pays for its upkeep. But the state is facing a more than $14 billion budget deficit. For the time being, at least, the ceiling will be touched up with new paint instead of removing all the old layers.The amphitheater was originally targeted for a three-phase renovation — heating and mechanical, followed by interior work and finally the exterior. The first and second phases totaling roughly $4 million have already been done.Last year, a new façade was supposed to be built along with redesigned lighting, exterior balcony ramps and rest room improvements. Those projects, however, have been put on hold because state funding simply isn’t available.SPAC has asked state parks officials if rest rooms, at least, could be upgraded for the current season.“We haven’t heard back,” Nigro said.He said the parks system has assured him that SPAC’s exterior renovations will be done once money becomes available, but not this year.
Saturday, March 21, 2009 5:15 AM EDT
By PAUL POST, The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Saratoga Performing Arts Center investments have dropped 26 percent, but its financial picture remains strong considering the economy, officials said Friday.SPAC has not dipped into investments — totaling $3.1 million — for operations since deciding to pay its debts off three years ago.The center has an $885,000 operating surplus and current assets of $1.5 million versus liabilities of just under $500,000. SPAC posted a modest year-end surplus for the fourth straight year in 2008.“We will be the last man standing in many respects in the area arts community,” board chairman William Dake said. “We started being pretty hard-nosed on this issue six months ago.”Among other things, SPAC has instituted a salary and hiring freeze and is relying heavily on interns who possess electronic, technology and contemporary media skills. “To get an intern who knows more than you do is quite an asset,” Dake said.SPAC announced a new cross-promotional marketing effort with The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls and Saratoga ArtsFest. However, there was no discussion at Friday’s board meeting about negotiations with Live Nation, which books and promotes SPAC’s popular music events. Live Nation’s contract expires at the end of the 2009 summer season.Under the current pact, Live Nation pays SPAC $1 million per year plus a share of ticket revenue once attendance hits a certain threshold. SPAC President Marcia White has said it’s important to get as close to those terms as possible in the next contract.Citing different reports, Dake said the economy has taken its toll on arts groups nationwide. Donations have dropped off significantly and 10 percent of the 10,000 arts organizations in America might go out of business this year, he said.“It’s not just affecting the arts,” board member Heather Mabee said. She said attendance is off significantly at this month’s basketball tournaments around the country.Marketing Committee Chairman Ed Lewi said NASCAR has been hit hard, too, and is lowering ticket prices to bring crowds back. Among this year’s promotions, SPAC will again have an American Girl Night and Girls Night out along with Date Nights and Family Nights every Thursday and Friday, respectively.The main new initiative is a partnership with The Hyde that is planning an upcoming summer exhibit, “Degas & Music,” based on the work of French Impressionist painter Edgar Degas (1834-1917).“Instead of being at cross purposes, we’re cross-promoting,” said David Setford, The Hyde’s executive director. “This is certainly the way for the future. Instead of being isolated in our attempt to reach audiences, we’re joining forces.“Music rather than painting was the underpinning of Degas’ artistic life.”The cross between those art forms will be emphasized in several scheduled events. They are:- Friday, Aug. 7 — Young chamber musicians will play at The Hyde, including featured pianist Jean-Frederic Neuberger of Paris. This fundraiser will have pre- and post-performance receptions.- Monday, Aug. 10 — A full-length chamber music program at Spa Little Theater also featuring Neuberger.- Saturday, Aug. 15 — A special Philadelphia Orchestra performance called “An Evening with Degas.” The concert will be accompanied by images of Degas’ works on SPAC’s large cinema screens.Chief Operating Officer Richard Geary said memberships are currently down 10 to 12 percent versus 2008. But 2009 season programs are just being mailed out. Typically, this boosts memberships when people get to see the program first-hand.SPAC’s annual meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 13 at Saratoga Spa State Park’s Hall of Springs.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPAC Paint-job repairs to beat season opening
Saturday, March 21, 2009 5:15 AM EDT
By PAUL POST, The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A peeling paint problem is only cosmetic and will be resolved before Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s season begins, officials said Friday.The amphitheater’s ceiling was painted three years ago as part of a major interior renovation that included the installation of 5,200 new padded seats.Working within budget constraints, crews scraped off and painted over old paint rather than sand-blasting the entire ceiling down to its plaster surface. Now, sections of old paint have started to peel.“You have so much to spend,” SPAC Facilities Committee Chairman John Nigro said. “Instead of sandblasting, which was probably costlier, they sanded. It’ll be repaired.“It’s purely cosmetic.”The amphitheater, which SPAC leases, is owned by the state that maintains and pays for its upkeep. But the state is facing a more than $14 billion budget deficit. For the time being, at least, the ceiling will be touched up with new paint instead of removing all the old layers.The amphitheater was originally targeted for a three-phase renovation — heating and mechanical, followed by interior work and finally the exterior. The first and second phases totaling roughly $4 million have already been done.Last year, a new façade was supposed to be built along with redesigned lighting, exterior balcony ramps and rest room improvements. Those projects, however, have been put on hold because state funding simply isn’t available.SPAC has asked state parks officials if rest rooms, at least, could be upgraded for the current season.“We haven’t heard back,” Nigro said.He said the parks system has assured him that SPAC’s exterior renovations will be done once money becomes available, but not this year.
Friday, March 20, 2009
oh, my, SPAC needs a paint job already?
SPAC’s 2006 coat of paint already peeling
Friday, March 20, 2009
By Tatiana Zarnowski (Contact)
Gazette Reporter
Photographer: Marc Schultz
Paint work done in 2006 has begun to peel at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.Text Size: A A A
SARATOGA SPRINGS — It was just three years ago that the interior of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center was repainted as part of a $1.6 million upgrade.
But visit the empty amphitheater now and you’ll notice big chunks of peeling cream-colored paint hanging from the underside of the balcony.
The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is working with the Mechanicville painter that did the 2006 project to spruce it up for this season.
Paint applied before W.W. Patenaude and Sons arrived on the scene in 2006 is the culprit, said Alane Ball Chinian, regional parks director.
“It’s not his paint that’s failing. It’s the previous paint,” Chinian said.
The area will have to be scraped and retouched each year unless the state gets enough money to sandblast the whole ceiling and start over, said Andrew Patenaude, one of the owners of the painting company.
“They would have to fully remove that paint, and probably by the time they fully removed it, the plaster would be disturbed,” Patenaude said.
As part of the $270,000 painting contract in 2006, the state asked Patenaude and Sons to scrape off loose paint and paint over the old paint rather than sandblast the plaster ceiling above the floor seats.
Patenaude said his paint stuck to the plaster where the old paint was scraped off.
The state office, which is responsible for facility upkeep for nonprofit tenant SPAC, can’t afford to get the area sandblasted and repainted now.
With its budget next year a big question mark, the parks office will spend its money on more important projects, such as a fire alarm system at the Hall of Springs and replacing portions of the Lincoln Baths roof, Chinian said.
“We have situations where something is presenting a health hazard or truly a dangerous situation,” she said.
That means that other work that was slated to happen at SPAC this year is still on hold as well, Chinian said.
A $2.5 million renovation planned for last fall and this year would have updated the look of the exterior and added new lighting, a new sound system and new bathrooms.
“No contracts are being advanced right now,” Chinian said.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Friday, March 20, 2009
By Tatiana Zarnowski (Contact)
Gazette Reporter
Photographer: Marc Schultz
Paint work done in 2006 has begun to peel at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.Text Size: A A A
SARATOGA SPRINGS — It was just three years ago that the interior of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center was repainted as part of a $1.6 million upgrade.
But visit the empty amphitheater now and you’ll notice big chunks of peeling cream-colored paint hanging from the underside of the balcony.
The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is working with the Mechanicville painter that did the 2006 project to spruce it up for this season.
Paint applied before W.W. Patenaude and Sons arrived on the scene in 2006 is the culprit, said Alane Ball Chinian, regional parks director.
“It’s not his paint that’s failing. It’s the previous paint,” Chinian said.
The area will have to be scraped and retouched each year unless the state gets enough money to sandblast the whole ceiling and start over, said Andrew Patenaude, one of the owners of the painting company.
“They would have to fully remove that paint, and probably by the time they fully removed it, the plaster would be disturbed,” Patenaude said.
As part of the $270,000 painting contract in 2006, the state asked Patenaude and Sons to scrape off loose paint and paint over the old paint rather than sandblast the plaster ceiling above the floor seats.
Patenaude said his paint stuck to the plaster where the old paint was scraped off.
The state office, which is responsible for facility upkeep for nonprofit tenant SPAC, can’t afford to get the area sandblasted and repainted now.
With its budget next year a big question mark, the parks office will spend its money on more important projects, such as a fire alarm system at the Hall of Springs and replacing portions of the Lincoln Baths roof, Chinian said.
“We have situations where something is presenting a health hazard or truly a dangerous situation,” she said.
That means that other work that was slated to happen at SPAC this year is still on hold as well, Chinian said.
A $2.5 million renovation planned for last fall and this year would have updated the look of the exterior and added new lighting, a new sound system and new bathrooms.
“No contracts are being advanced right now,” Chinian said.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Wednesday, March 18, 2009
SPAC executive salary is questioned, Daily Gazette, 3/18/09
SPAC exec's salary leads pack for arts
Ballet supporters unhappy with season
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
By Wendy Liberatore (Contact)
Gazette Reporter
Text Size: A | A | A
SARATOGA SPRINGS — When it comes to compensation for directors of performing arts venues, Marcia White’s salary at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center is well ahead of the pack.
White’s salary is coming under criticism following the winter decision to trim the ballet season to two weeks, though she has the vocal support of the SPAC chairman.
White, who replaced Herb Chesbrough as SPAC’s president and executive director in March 2005, received a salary of $205,170 in her first year and $244,865 in 2006. More recent figures are not yet available, SPAC salaries have been frozen since the end of last summer.
By comparison, executive directors of other area arts venues have not topped the $200,000 mark. For example, Philip Morris, who runs the year-round Proctors in Schenectady, was paid $140,000 in 2007. At The Egg in Albany, another year-round venue, Executive Director Peter Lesser is paid $94,000 annually.
Patricia DiBenedetto Snyder, the founder and producing director of the New York State Theatre Institute in Troy, is paid $125,792 annually. And Ella Baff, the executive director of Jacob’s Pillow, a 10-week summer dance venue in Becket, Mass., was paid $159,713 in 2006. All of these directors have had many years, often several decades, of experience working in arts management. The salary levels are reported on federal tax filings for nonprofit organizations.
White, a former nurse and then spokeswoman for retired state senator and majority leader Joseph Bruno, had never worked in the arts before being tapped to head SPAC.
“We are an $8 million business,” said William Dake, chairman of the SPAC board of directors. “We interface with national organizations and it’s complicated. We have to deal with five different groups who we have to beat to death to get them to focus on the programming. And she started in a complex time. We didn’t have a lot of staff. She works her tail off.”
Dake also mentioned that SPAC has a $10 million contract with Live Nation, the group that books and manages the pop music concerts.
However, other area arts groups have large budgets as well. Proctors stands at $14.8 million; the New York State Theatre Institute’s budget is $3.6 million a year while The Egg works on a $2.1 million annual budget.
Louise Goldstein, a former member of the Save the Ballet committee, which worked to keep the New York City Ballet dancing at SPAC, said she felt White’s salary was “totally shocking and an outrage.” That organization disbanded after White was appointed.
“We fought so hard to keep the ballet, and now we have a high-paid executive, who had no experience in the arts, making this kind of money. I think SPAC should cut her salary in half and use the money to hire someone with an arts background.”
In hiring White, then-board chairman Dr. Stephen Serlin said the board was impressed with her marketing and fundraising potential. In her first year at SPAC, the then-financially ailing venue ended the year with a small surplus. It has operated without a deficit since.
“Fifty percent of the job is fundraising and Marcia has done incredibly well with fundraising,” said Dake.
However, SPAC has been struggling with attendance, particularly at the ballet, which has continued to decline since White began. And this summer, the ballet, the amphitheater’s flagship company, has reduced its stay from three weeks to two.
“Marcia did a good job getting SPAC in the black,” said John DeMarco, owner of Lyrical Ballad bookstore and a member of SPAC. “But there hasn’t been growth in promoting the ballet, getting a capital campaign going and attendance. We are going backwards. It doesn’t bode well for the arts.”
Goldstein agreed, lamenting, “We have a week less of the ballet.”
Chesbrough resigned in 2005 in the wake of a controversy swirling around New York City Ballet. He announced he made plans to cancel the ballet, saying it was too expensive. That led to a state audit, which criticized Chesbrough’s $317,301 salary. When White has hired, the SPAC board reported that her salary would range from $150,000 to $175,000. Dake said SPAC settled on $205,170 instead after “doing an extensive survey” on what others are paid.
Ballet supporters unhappy with season
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
By Wendy Liberatore (Contact)
Gazette Reporter
Text Size: A | A | A
SARATOGA SPRINGS — When it comes to compensation for directors of performing arts venues, Marcia White’s salary at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center is well ahead of the pack.
White’s salary is coming under criticism following the winter decision to trim the ballet season to two weeks, though she has the vocal support of the SPAC chairman.
White, who replaced Herb Chesbrough as SPAC’s president and executive director in March 2005, received a salary of $205,170 in her first year and $244,865 in 2006. More recent figures are not yet available, SPAC salaries have been frozen since the end of last summer.
By comparison, executive directors of other area arts venues have not topped the $200,000 mark. For example, Philip Morris, who runs the year-round Proctors in Schenectady, was paid $140,000 in 2007. At The Egg in Albany, another year-round venue, Executive Director Peter Lesser is paid $94,000 annually.
Patricia DiBenedetto Snyder, the founder and producing director of the New York State Theatre Institute in Troy, is paid $125,792 annually. And Ella Baff, the executive director of Jacob’s Pillow, a 10-week summer dance venue in Becket, Mass., was paid $159,713 in 2006. All of these directors have had many years, often several decades, of experience working in arts management. The salary levels are reported on federal tax filings for nonprofit organizations.
White, a former nurse and then spokeswoman for retired state senator and majority leader Joseph Bruno, had never worked in the arts before being tapped to head SPAC.
“We are an $8 million business,” said William Dake, chairman of the SPAC board of directors. “We interface with national organizations and it’s complicated. We have to deal with five different groups who we have to beat to death to get them to focus on the programming. And she started in a complex time. We didn’t have a lot of staff. She works her tail off.”
Dake also mentioned that SPAC has a $10 million contract with Live Nation, the group that books and manages the pop music concerts.
However, other area arts groups have large budgets as well. Proctors stands at $14.8 million; the New York State Theatre Institute’s budget is $3.6 million a year while The Egg works on a $2.1 million annual budget.
Louise Goldstein, a former member of the Save the Ballet committee, which worked to keep the New York City Ballet dancing at SPAC, said she felt White’s salary was “totally shocking and an outrage.” That organization disbanded after White was appointed.
“We fought so hard to keep the ballet, and now we have a high-paid executive, who had no experience in the arts, making this kind of money. I think SPAC should cut her salary in half and use the money to hire someone with an arts background.”
In hiring White, then-board chairman Dr. Stephen Serlin said the board was impressed with her marketing and fundraising potential. In her first year at SPAC, the then-financially ailing venue ended the year with a small surplus. It has operated without a deficit since.
“Fifty percent of the job is fundraising and Marcia has done incredibly well with fundraising,” said Dake.
However, SPAC has been struggling with attendance, particularly at the ballet, which has continued to decline since White began. And this summer, the ballet, the amphitheater’s flagship company, has reduced its stay from three weeks to two.
“Marcia did a good job getting SPAC in the black,” said John DeMarco, owner of Lyrical Ballad bookstore and a member of SPAC. “But there hasn’t been growth in promoting the ballet, getting a capital campaign going and attendance. We are going backwards. It doesn’t bode well for the arts.”
Goldstein agreed, lamenting, “We have a week less of the ballet.”
Chesbrough resigned in 2005 in the wake of a controversy swirling around New York City Ballet. He announced he made plans to cancel the ballet, saying it was too expensive. That led to a state audit, which criticized Chesbrough’s $317,301 salary. When White has hired, the SPAC board reported that her salary would range from $150,000 to $175,000. Dake said SPAC settled on $205,170 instead after “doing an extensive survey” on what others are paid.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
City Center expansion looks like good news? What do you think of the design? check saratogian.com
City Center expansion unveiled
Tuesday, March 17, 2009 5:15 AM EDT
By MAREESA NICOSIA, The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Officials are hailing it as a “new vision” and the “economic engine” of downtown.
The City Center expansion project that has been in the planning stage for a decade and marks the center’s 25th year of operation was unveiled Monday evening at a presentation by Authority Chairman Michael J. Toohey and City Center President Mark E. Baker, along with Mayor Scott Johnson.
From the glass-paneled front to the “grand” staircase down to the color of the new carpeting, Baker and Toohey said the 22,000-square-foot expansion project will heighten the city’s ability to compete in the tourism industry and boost business by 40 percent over the next three years — all at no cost to taxpayers, since the $16 million project is primarily funded by New York state.
According to Johnson, $12 million from a state appropriation was secured in the last two years, and the remaining $4 million was provided by the hotel tax charged to overnight visitors to the city.
Toohey said the project was important because more conventions equal more visitors to the city, which means increased revenue and a stronger economy.
“The community must recognize that we are at the start of a new century,” Toohey said, adding that the City Center’s new design will reflect the times with a modern, iconic look while “melding with the current and future masonry construction” of the building, which is located at 522 Broadway, and borders Ellsworth Jones Place to the south and Maple Avenue to the east.
The major change to the structure will be the enclosure of the current atrium that faces Broadway, which will add 22,000 square feet to the already existing 52,000-square-foot space. The expansion will allow for a first floor with a 5,000-square-foot meeting room, an expanded lobby, a large, side-by-side staircase and escalator, handicap-accessible restrooms and entrances and new carpeting. The second floor will house about 6,200 square feet of meeting space in two “breakout” activity rooms and back entries for catering services, among other amenities. The entire facility will comply with standards set by the Americans With Disabilities Act, otherwise known as ADA mandate compliance.
Toohey and Baker said the project would help the City Center expand its reach into the community and beyond by allowing multiple events to go on simultaneously because of the increased meeting room space. The new center could handle 172 events a year and welcome more than 25,000 visitors. Since each overnight guest spends an average of $885 during a two- to three-day stay, the city could see a substantial increase in revenue.
Retailers, restaurateurs and hotel owners expect to benefit from the increased flow of customers as a result of the center’s expansion. Marianne Barker of Impressions of Saratoga said the project would affect her business tremendously.
“We see the impact on a daily basis,” Barker said, referring to her customers’ response to plans for expansion.
Groundbreaking is expected in late spring and construction will last 14 months, officials said, stressing the City Center will remain open and continue to host conventions and conferences.
Baker said every effort will be made to lessen the impact of construction noise and disruption on neighboring businesses and residents, with extra sensitivity taken during racing season.
He added that parking was not part of the $16 million budgeted for the expansion, but said the City Center Authority was in discussions with the City Council to find a solution to the need for parking when some spaces are eliminated by the building’s expansion.
Baker said contractor bids for the project would most likely be made next month.
Ci
Tuesday, March 17, 2009 5:15 AM EDT
By MAREESA NICOSIA, The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Officials are hailing it as a “new vision” and the “economic engine” of downtown.
The City Center expansion project that has been in the planning stage for a decade and marks the center’s 25th year of operation was unveiled Monday evening at a presentation by Authority Chairman Michael J. Toohey and City Center President Mark E. Baker, along with Mayor Scott Johnson.
From the glass-paneled front to the “grand” staircase down to the color of the new carpeting, Baker and Toohey said the 22,000-square-foot expansion project will heighten the city’s ability to compete in the tourism industry and boost business by 40 percent over the next three years — all at no cost to taxpayers, since the $16 million project is primarily funded by New York state.
According to Johnson, $12 million from a state appropriation was secured in the last two years, and the remaining $4 million was provided by the hotel tax charged to overnight visitors to the city.
Toohey said the project was important because more conventions equal more visitors to the city, which means increased revenue and a stronger economy.
“The community must recognize that we are at the start of a new century,” Toohey said, adding that the City Center’s new design will reflect the times with a modern, iconic look while “melding with the current and future masonry construction” of the building, which is located at 522 Broadway, and borders Ellsworth Jones Place to the south and Maple Avenue to the east.
The major change to the structure will be the enclosure of the current atrium that faces Broadway, which will add 22,000 square feet to the already existing 52,000-square-foot space. The expansion will allow for a first floor with a 5,000-square-foot meeting room, an expanded lobby, a large, side-by-side staircase and escalator, handicap-accessible restrooms and entrances and new carpeting. The second floor will house about 6,200 square feet of meeting space in two “breakout” activity rooms and back entries for catering services, among other amenities. The entire facility will comply with standards set by the Americans With Disabilities Act, otherwise known as ADA mandate compliance.
Toohey and Baker said the project would help the City Center expand its reach into the community and beyond by allowing multiple events to go on simultaneously because of the increased meeting room space. The new center could handle 172 events a year and welcome more than 25,000 visitors. Since each overnight guest spends an average of $885 during a two- to three-day stay, the city could see a substantial increase in revenue.
Retailers, restaurateurs and hotel owners expect to benefit from the increased flow of customers as a result of the center’s expansion. Marianne Barker of Impressions of Saratoga said the project would affect her business tremendously.
“We see the impact on a daily basis,” Barker said, referring to her customers’ response to plans for expansion.
Groundbreaking is expected in late spring and construction will last 14 months, officials said, stressing the City Center will remain open and continue to host conventions and conferences.
Baker said every effort will be made to lessen the impact of construction noise and disruption on neighboring businesses and residents, with extra sensitivity taken during racing season.
He added that parking was not part of the $16 million budgeted for the expansion, but said the City Center Authority was in discussions with the City Council to find a solution to the need for parking when some spaces are eliminated by the building’s expansion.
Baker said contractor bids for the project would most likely be made next month.
Ci
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Scary times for racing
Delaware North pulls out of VLT deal
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 5:16 AM EDT
By PAUL POST, The Saratogian
Racing put in jeopardy
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The firm slated to build a racino at Aqueduct Racetrack has withdrawn its offer, possibly jeopardizing the future of thoroughbred racing in New York state.
Gov. David Paterson tabbed Buffalo-based Delaware North Companies on Oct. 10, 2008, to operate 4,500 video lottery terminals at Aqueduct, generating an estimated $450 million per year. But the state and Delaware North never reached a final agreement on the deal.
Now the firm says it can’t secure the financing needed for such an undertaking, a result of the nation’s deepening economic crisis. The move also means that the cash-strapped state won’t get the $370 million Delaware North pledged for the gaming contract.
More importantly, however, without gaming revenues, New York Racing Association won’t have the funds it needs to run Aqueduct, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.
"NYRA can’t exist without VLTs," said Edward Bogdan, a lobbyist for Saratoga Springs-based New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc. "They’re going to have to come back to the state (for more money)."
But with a projected $14 billion deficit, the state doesn’t have anything left to give.
NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward was tied up with meetings in New York City on Tuesday and could not immediately be reached for comment.
Last September, when awarding NYRA a new 25-year contract, the state gave NYRA
$30 million to keep operating until VLTs come on line. Hayward has said that should tide his firm over until the second half of 2010. Recently, he warned about the possibility of falling short of funds if VLT money doesn’t become available.
Now that scenario appears to be playing itself out.
Delaware North President William Bissett says the state plans to rebid the whole project. But that would take months and some bidders, soured by the state’s poor handling of the last selection process, might not want to get involved at all.
There’s a growing belief that major gaming corporations, wearied by the state’s political quandary, are focusing their efforts elsewhere and want nothing more to do with New York.
In addition to the financial crisis, Delaware North was unhappy by Paterson’s recent call for VLTs at Belmont Park, too, a short distance from Aqueduct. The firm said it wouldn’t pay the $370 million pledged to the state unless it was given a greater share of Aqueduct VLT revenues, because of competition from Belmont.
Now, it would be almost impossible to expect racino construction at either track to begin this year — if ever.
Paterson’s office offered no immediate comment, but the development is sure to cause him major political damage with the state already in disastrous fiscal shape. In addition to gaming revenues, Aqueduct was expected to create hundreds of jobs for communities surrounding the track, and without Delaware North’s $370 payment the already-troubled budget faces another gaping hole.
Bogdan’s firm has been lobbying on behalf of breeders for 15 years and for VLTs specifically since 1999. The state approved legislation allowing for VLTs at New York racetracks in 2001. Saratoga Gaming & Raceway was the first track to get gaming in 2004. Six other harness tracks and one thoroughbred track — Finger Lakes near Rochester — have VLTs now, too.
But not Aqueduct.
Delaware North’s partners in the venture included Saratoga Harness Racing Inc., which owns Saratoga Gaming & Raceway. Delaware North operates the raceway’s VLTs and manages Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 5:16 AM EDT
By PAUL POST, The Saratogian
Racing put in jeopardy
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The firm slated to build a racino at Aqueduct Racetrack has withdrawn its offer, possibly jeopardizing the future of thoroughbred racing in New York state.
Gov. David Paterson tabbed Buffalo-based Delaware North Companies on Oct. 10, 2008, to operate 4,500 video lottery terminals at Aqueduct, generating an estimated $450 million per year. But the state and Delaware North never reached a final agreement on the deal.
Now the firm says it can’t secure the financing needed for such an undertaking, a result of the nation’s deepening economic crisis. The move also means that the cash-strapped state won’t get the $370 million Delaware North pledged for the gaming contract.
More importantly, however, without gaming revenues, New York Racing Association won’t have the funds it needs to run Aqueduct, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course.
"NYRA can’t exist without VLTs," said Edward Bogdan, a lobbyist for Saratoga Springs-based New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc. "They’re going to have to come back to the state (for more money)."
But with a projected $14 billion deficit, the state doesn’t have anything left to give.
NYRA President and CEO Charles Hayward was tied up with meetings in New York City on Tuesday and could not immediately be reached for comment.
Last September, when awarding NYRA a new 25-year contract, the state gave NYRA
$30 million to keep operating until VLTs come on line. Hayward has said that should tide his firm over until the second half of 2010. Recently, he warned about the possibility of falling short of funds if VLT money doesn’t become available.
Now that scenario appears to be playing itself out.
Delaware North President William Bissett says the state plans to rebid the whole project. But that would take months and some bidders, soured by the state’s poor handling of the last selection process, might not want to get involved at all.
There’s a growing belief that major gaming corporations, wearied by the state’s political quandary, are focusing their efforts elsewhere and want nothing more to do with New York.
In addition to the financial crisis, Delaware North was unhappy by Paterson’s recent call for VLTs at Belmont Park, too, a short distance from Aqueduct. The firm said it wouldn’t pay the $370 million pledged to the state unless it was given a greater share of Aqueduct VLT revenues, because of competition from Belmont.
Now, it would be almost impossible to expect racino construction at either track to begin this year — if ever.
Paterson’s office offered no immediate comment, but the development is sure to cause him major political damage with the state already in disastrous fiscal shape. In addition to gaming revenues, Aqueduct was expected to create hundreds of jobs for communities surrounding the track, and without Delaware North’s $370 payment the already-troubled budget faces another gaping hole.
Bogdan’s firm has been lobbying on behalf of breeders for 15 years and for VLTs specifically since 1999. The state approved legislation allowing for VLTs at New York racetracks in 2001. Saratoga Gaming & Raceway was the first track to get gaming in 2004. Six other harness tracks and one thoroughbred track — Finger Lakes near Rochester — have VLTs now, too.
But not Aqueduct.
Delaware North’s partners in the venture included Saratoga Harness Racing Inc., which owns Saratoga Gaming & Raceway. Delaware North operates the raceway’s VLTs and manages Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
This must be why all these trees have been cut down next to the Gideon?
Renovation of Gideon Putnam Resort and Roosevelt Baths & Spa Begins
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Delaware North Companies Making $1.8 Million in Updates
and Improvements to Historic Saratoga Springs Inn and Spa
Renovation of Gideon Putnam Resort and Roosevelt Baths & Spa Begins
Buffalo, NY – March 2009 – Delaware North Companies has begun a $1.8 million renovation of the historic Gideon Putnam Resort, including the Roosevelt Baths & Spa, at Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs.
The renovations are part of a planned 20-year, $18 million investment program that will include improvements to the hotel’s guest accommodations, lobby, corridors and dining room, as well as the storied mineral baths and spa.
Delaware North Companies’ parks and resorts subsidiary manages the property on behalf of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
“The hotel was constructed in the 1930s and is now included as a member of the Historic Hotels of America by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The historic significance and the importance of creating the ultimate guest experience were both carefully considered in the renovation plan,” said Tim Smith, general manager of Gideon Putnam Resort.
Delaware North has partnered on the project with Buffalo-based architectural firm Hamilton Houston Lownie Architects (HHL), interior designers Roche & Co. and M/E Engineers. The first phase of renovations and improvements to Gideon Putnam (www.GideonPutnam.com) is expected to be completed by mid-April.
“All renovation stages will be completed with minimal disruption to guests and visitors at the resort,” Smith said.
The lobby will be enhanced with the restoration of marble floors, the addition of sophisticated color themes, new custom period rugs and plush, comfortable furniture. The gift shop will be moved back to its original location in the lobby, and south-facing glass French doors will be restored.
“The concept behind the lobby renovation is to make this active space welcoming and comfortable so guests can gather to relax and chat or simply utilize it as a meeting space for large groups,” said Matthew Meier, the partner at HHL Architects in charge of the project.
In addition, to highlight the importance of the performing arts, mineral springs, historic park and other treasures that tell the Gideon Putnam and Saratoga Springs story, a series of carved panels will be installed in a prominent location seen from the lobby.
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In addition to structural changes, guests will be greeted with luxurious new bed linens and blankets in all 120 rooms, Smith said. The historic Georgian Dining room will also be upgraded with the addition of a new walnut bar, creating a more relaxed “lobby bar” setting for diners.
As part of the project, the Roosevelt Baths & Spa at Gideon Putnam will be refreshed and renovated to provide a modern spa experience for guests while also staying true to its storied past as protector of the historic mineral springs located there.
The spa’s entrance will be refreshed with the addition of large plants, bright colors and natural lighting to create a calm, greenhouse-like space. A transition “relaxation” room will be added as a place for guests to wait for treatments, relax following a treatment, or wait for other guests throughout the day. Meier said the feel for the transition room will be supplied by a fireplace, lounge chairs and central waterfall.
“All of this is grown directly out of the healing and rejuvenating powers of the water that have so long been the central focus at the Roosevelt Baths,” said Meier. “The waterfall will bring the expression of water and fluidity to the room to enhance the guest experience.”
Delaware North’s long-term commitment will include multiple building repair and system upgrade phases, including new and restored windows, that will be historically appropriate and eco-friendly, Smith said.
About Delaware North Companies
Delaware North Companies is one of the world’s leading hospitality and food service providers. Its family of companies includes Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, Delaware North Companies Gaming & Entertainment, Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services, Delaware North Companies Sportservice, Delaware North Companies International and Delaware North Companies Boston, owner of TD Banknorth Garden. Delaware North Companies is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States with revenues exceeding $2 billion annually and 50,000 associates serving half a billion customers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. For more information, visit www.DelawareNorth.com.
About Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts
Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts is a subsidiary of Delaware North Companies, a leading hospitality provider with significant experience in hotel, retail, food service, recreation and transportation operations. The company’s portfolio includes historic properties in North America, such as Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex; Yosemite, Sequoia, Yellowstone and Grand Canyon national parks; Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds; Tenaya Lodge; Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa; Niagara Falls State Park; Jones Beach; The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake; The Balsams Grand Resort; and The Gideon Putnam Resort. To learn more about Delaware North Companies’ expertise in the hospitality industry, visit www.ExperienceDNC.com.
About HHL Architects
Hamilton Houston Lownie Architects, LLC (HHL), originally established in 1969, is a professional services limited liability company for the practice of architecture. Ted Lownie, Matt Meier, Ken Riter, Jerry Strickland and Chris Guerra continue to lead HHL Architects using the basic principles established 40 years ago of striving to create quality architecture and a better built environment. Delaware North Companies has partnered with HHL Architects on many projects, including the construction of its corporate world headquarters in Buffalo, N.Y. Top of the Falls restaurant in Niagara Falls, NY, multiple food and beverage venues at Buffalo’s HSBC Arena, as well as several design concepts for concessions and restaurants in all areas of Delaware North’s operations. HHL Architects is also known for its nearly two-decade-long restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin Martin House Complex in Buffalo, NY, the design of the Erie Community College Burt P. Flickinger Athletic Center, and restoration and renovation of the Saarinen-designed Kleinhan’s Music Hall in Buffalo.
Contact:
Kerry Hassen
Corporate Communications
Delaware North Companies
716-858-5016
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Hospitality Newsmaker Alert™
Placement Dates: 03/10/09 – 05/10/09
Press-News Index
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
"Money goes down drain", Post Star 3/3/09
Devices to heat mineral baths go cold, as expected
By DREW KERR
dkerr@poststar.com
Updated: Tuesday, March 3, 2009 10:31 AM EST
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SARATOGA SPRINGS - We had to do something.
That, in essence, is the sentiment from state officials who installed a pair of conventional water heaters at the Roosevelt Bathhouse in an effort to provide visitors with warm soaks in pure mineral water last summer -- an endeavor they say was undertaken even though they knew the heaters would fail.
The facility was prompted by the state to come up with a way to provide heated, pure mineral water baths after it was publicly revealed in 2007 that the bathhouse was using heated tap water to warm the icy, effervescent fluid that emerges from the springs at Saratoga Spa State Park.
After the tap water issue came to light, then-Gov. Eliot Spitzer, then-state Sen. Joseph Bruno and current Attorney General Andrew Cuomo accused spa staff of failing to disclose the practice, which had persisted for nearly two decades following a boiler break at the facility.
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Under scrutiny to remedy the situation quickly, parks staff announced last June that two of the roughly 40 tubs at the historic bathhouse had been retrofitted with water heaters that could bring the 52 degree mineral water to a more comfortable temperature in two of the baths.
But rushed to complete the work, crews installed a pair of off-the-shelf, domestic water heaters they knew would not withstand the corrosive effects of the minerals flowing through them for long.
The heaters failed shortly after the end of the 2008 tourist season and have not been replaced since, said Alane Ball Chinian, the regional director for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
"It was a quick and dirty job and, with normal water heaters, we knew they would fail because of the corrosive nature of the mineral water," she said.
The two heaters cost the state a total of $5,974, she said.
For Louise Goldstein, a persistent critic of the park's management, any money that was put into the fruitless effort is disappointing, given the financial crunch the parks department is facing.
"To spend that money for nothing is just astounding," she said.
A second pair of baths was retrofitted with heating units soon after the first units were installed -- these with a customized system designed to keep the water in perpetual motion to prevent the minerals from eating into the pipes.
That system cost nearly $98,000 and remains functional.
But there are no plans to install such a system on other tubs because, staff members say, the consumer demand simply isn't there.
"There hasn't been a single time when we have had to turn someone away," Michelle Calzada, the spa's manager, said of the two heated pure mineral water tubs.
There are nearly 40 baths at the famed spa, which opened at the state park in 1935.
Water for the remaining tubs is warmed to 97 degrees with tap water, a fact that is now denoted prominently in the spa's advertising.
Sessions cost $25 for 40 minutes -- pure or mixed -- and are described as "the cornerstone of our luxury spa experience."
The bathhouse is now operated by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts Inc., which began leasing the facility in 2008.
The company is putting $450,000 of its own money into updates, including new furniture, a refurbished lobby and a new "relaxation room."
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Monday, March 02, 2009
"ave of pines" little trees anyone?
Publication:Schenectady Daily Gazette; Date:Mar 2, 2009; Section:Local News; Page:7
SARATOGA SPRINGS
Museum celebrates history of car scents
Company develops ‘Avenue of Pines’ product for show
BY LEE COLEMAN Gazette Reporter
You won’t have to travel to Saratoga Springs to get a whiff of the Avenue of the Pines anymore.
The company that has manufactured the bright green Little Trees car fresheners that have dangled from cars’ rearview mirrors since the early 1950s is about to create a new scent for your car called “Avenue of the Pines.”
The Saratoga Automobile Museum in Saratoga Spa State Park will open a special exhibit this spring focusing on the Car-Freshner Corp. in Watertown that has produced the familiar Little Trees car air fresheners.
The “Avenue of the Pines” freshener tree is being created specially for the exhibit, which will run from May 16 through November, said Dawn Cole, marketing manager for Car-Freshner Corp.
“It will only be available at the museum,” Cole said.
Cole said when people tour the exhibit at the museum, which is located on the historic Avenue of the Pines, they will be able to purchase at a nominal charge an Avenue of the Pines freshener to put in their cars. The scent of the new freshener is still being developed, Cole said. She said the cost of the souvenir is also still in the discussion stage.
“We are excited to be working with the museum,” Cole said. She said the new exhibit will “walk the visitor through the history of the Little Tree.”
Car-Freshner Corp. employs 600 people at its plants in Watertown, Dewitt, Iowa, and Berlin, N.H.
Cole said business at Car-Freshner continues to be strong despite the current economic crisis.
She said some people may hold off on buying a new car, but they can get that new-car smell by buying a Little Trees “New Car” scent freshener.
“The Saratoga Automobile Museum is thrilled with this opportunity to celebrate ‘Little Trees,’ an automotive icon manufactured in New York state,” said Alan Edstrom, the museum’s director of programs and events.
“Car models may come and go, but over 50 years ‘Little Trees’ have held a rock-steady place in pop culture, becoming part of the automotive industry,” Edstrom said in a statement.
Edstrom said he understood the Avenue of the Pines fragrance would be similar to the company's first product, which was called “Royal Pine.”
Cole said the Little Trees freshener was created by Julius Samann, a chemist who had experimented with extracting essential oils from pine trees in Canada.
A milk-truck driver in Watertown had complained to the local chemist about the smell of spilled, sour milk in his truck, she said.
Samann found that putting highquality fragrance on porous card stock was very effective in creating a vehicle air freshener, according to the company’s Web site: www. little-trees.com.
Samann also sketched the shape of the freshener and injected it with the Royal Pine scent.
Car-Freshner Corp. currently has more than 50 fragrances and sells its products around the world. The company also produces scented household products and has its own line of clothing with the Little Trees symbol on many of the items.
“It’s amazing to realize that ‘Little Trees’ have made such an impact on pop culture, having been featured in numerous movies, television programs and magazines,” Cole said.
For more information about the Saratoga Automobile Museum go to www.saratogaautomuseum.org.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAR-FRESHNER CORP. A car air freshener called “Avenue of the Pines” will be developed for a Saratoga Automobile Museum exhibit.
SARATOGA SPRINGS
Museum celebrates history of car scents
Company develops ‘Avenue of Pines’ product for show
BY LEE COLEMAN Gazette Reporter
You won’t have to travel to Saratoga Springs to get a whiff of the Avenue of the Pines anymore.
The company that has manufactured the bright green Little Trees car fresheners that have dangled from cars’ rearview mirrors since the early 1950s is about to create a new scent for your car called “Avenue of the Pines.”
The Saratoga Automobile Museum in Saratoga Spa State Park will open a special exhibit this spring focusing on the Car-Freshner Corp. in Watertown that has produced the familiar Little Trees car air fresheners.
The “Avenue of the Pines” freshener tree is being created specially for the exhibit, which will run from May 16 through November, said Dawn Cole, marketing manager for Car-Freshner Corp.
“It will only be available at the museum,” Cole said.
Cole said when people tour the exhibit at the museum, which is located on the historic Avenue of the Pines, they will be able to purchase at a nominal charge an Avenue of the Pines freshener to put in their cars. The scent of the new freshener is still being developed, Cole said. She said the cost of the souvenir is also still in the discussion stage.
“We are excited to be working with the museum,” Cole said. She said the new exhibit will “walk the visitor through the history of the Little Tree.”
Car-Freshner Corp. employs 600 people at its plants in Watertown, Dewitt, Iowa, and Berlin, N.H.
Cole said business at Car-Freshner continues to be strong despite the current economic crisis.
She said some people may hold off on buying a new car, but they can get that new-car smell by buying a Little Trees “New Car” scent freshener.
“The Saratoga Automobile Museum is thrilled with this opportunity to celebrate ‘Little Trees,’ an automotive icon manufactured in New York state,” said Alan Edstrom, the museum’s director of programs and events.
“Car models may come and go, but over 50 years ‘Little Trees’ have held a rock-steady place in pop culture, becoming part of the automotive industry,” Edstrom said in a statement.
Edstrom said he understood the Avenue of the Pines fragrance would be similar to the company's first product, which was called “Royal Pine.”
Cole said the Little Trees freshener was created by Julius Samann, a chemist who had experimented with extracting essential oils from pine trees in Canada.
A milk-truck driver in Watertown had complained to the local chemist about the smell of spilled, sour milk in his truck, she said.
Samann found that putting highquality fragrance on porous card stock was very effective in creating a vehicle air freshener, according to the company’s Web site: www. little-trees.com.
Samann also sketched the shape of the freshener and injected it with the Royal Pine scent.
Car-Freshner Corp. currently has more than 50 fragrances and sells its products around the world. The company also produces scented household products and has its own line of clothing with the Little Trees symbol on many of the items.
“It’s amazing to realize that ‘Little Trees’ have made such an impact on pop culture, having been featured in numerous movies, television programs and magazines,” Cole said.
For more information about the Saratoga Automobile Museum go to www.saratogaautomuseum.org.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAR-FRESHNER CORP. A car air freshener called “Avenue of the Pines” will be developed for a Saratoga Automobile Museum exhibit.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Modern Dance at SPAC amphitheater instead of New York City Ballet is Not a good idea.
Fans react to SPAC’s modern dance
Thursday, February 26, 2009 5:17 AM EST
By PAUL POST, The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Modern dance is a welcome addition, but Saratoga Performing Arts Center should find other ways to strengthen its summer program, too, dance enthusiasts said Wednesday.
SPAC will host Mark Morris Dance Group on July 20 and 21 and Paul Taylor Dance Company on June 11 to fill the void from New York City Ballet’s shortened season, down from three weeks to two.
"These are two very important dance companies," said Denise Warner Limoli, a Skidmore College associate professor of dance. "It’s good to know SPAC is branching out. If you’re going to bring it, it’s good to draw from the top of the list."
The Morris group will have three performances, two evenings and one matinee, after city ballet’s two-week residency concludes. But it’s only two days.
"That’s awkward," Warner Limoli said. "It’s important that the public knows SPAC is committed to dance. I’d love to see them fill the schedule. Two-and-a-half weeks is less than three."
She said SPAC should try to get another ballet company to supplement New York City Ballet, even if it’s for a limited engagement or with a smaller number of dancers. She previously danced with American Ballet Theater, also based in New York.
"It would be spectacular," she said. "They’ve got some of the best dancers in the world. A small group of them is nothing to sneeze at."
Morris and Taylor have both visited Skidmore before and have performed at the Spa Little Theater. This will be their first time at SPAC’s amphitheater.
"It’s marvelous to have the opportunity to present modern dance on the main stage," said Mary DiSanto-Rose, Skidmore’s dance department chair. "I like the diversity. I hope they (SPAC) offer even more."
She expressed concern, however, that the 5,000-seat amphitheater might be overwhelming, because a crowd of 1,000 is considered good for a typical modern dance performance.
DiSanto-Rose said she doesn’t think two ballet companies, city ballet plus another, would pose a conflict at all. With proper planning, fans could spend several days in Saratoga Springs, watching one company perform and then the other.
"I don’t think one would take away from the other," she said. "It makes a nice package."
City ballet and SPAC reached a mutual agreement for a shortened 2009 season. SPAC typically lost about $1 million per year during the ballet’s three-week season. Likewise, the ballet is facing a $5.5 million deficit this season and announced recently that 11 dancers’ contracts won’t be renewed next year.
Avid ballet fan Louise Goldstein of Saratoga Springs said she’s disappointed about the reduced number of performances overall.
"Instead of another week of dance, it’s going to be two nights and one matinee," she said. "What’s going to happen on those other nights in July? It’s a loss for SPAC in a year when we should be trying to attract all the tourists we can. I have nothing against modern dance. I think they should be in the Little Theater. I hope the house sells out, but I would be shocked."
Spa City resident John DeMarco said, "I would prefer to have a three-week ballet season, but I understand the circumstances in this economy."
SPAC needs to grow beyond regional marketing and try to sell itself internationally, such as the famed Spoleto Music Festival in Italy, he said, perhaps partnering with other venues such as Tanglewood.
"You’ve got to advertise in Europe," he said. "It would be expensive. But then people would come from all over. That would draw the numbers."
Thursday, February 26, 2009 5:17 AM EST
By PAUL POST, The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Modern dance is a welcome addition, but Saratoga Performing Arts Center should find other ways to strengthen its summer program, too, dance enthusiasts said Wednesday.
SPAC will host Mark Morris Dance Group on July 20 and 21 and Paul Taylor Dance Company on June 11 to fill the void from New York City Ballet’s shortened season, down from three weeks to two.
"These are two very important dance companies," said Denise Warner Limoli, a Skidmore College associate professor of dance. "It’s good to know SPAC is branching out. If you’re going to bring it, it’s good to draw from the top of the list."
The Morris group will have three performances, two evenings and one matinee, after city ballet’s two-week residency concludes. But it’s only two days.
"That’s awkward," Warner Limoli said. "It’s important that the public knows SPAC is committed to dance. I’d love to see them fill the schedule. Two-and-a-half weeks is less than three."
She said SPAC should try to get another ballet company to supplement New York City Ballet, even if it’s for a limited engagement or with a smaller number of dancers. She previously danced with American Ballet Theater, also based in New York.
"It would be spectacular," she said. "They’ve got some of the best dancers in the world. A small group of them is nothing to sneeze at."
Morris and Taylor have both visited Skidmore before and have performed at the Spa Little Theater. This will be their first time at SPAC’s amphitheater.
"It’s marvelous to have the opportunity to present modern dance on the main stage," said Mary DiSanto-Rose, Skidmore’s dance department chair. "I like the diversity. I hope they (SPAC) offer even more."
She expressed concern, however, that the 5,000-seat amphitheater might be overwhelming, because a crowd of 1,000 is considered good for a typical modern dance performance.
DiSanto-Rose said she doesn’t think two ballet companies, city ballet plus another, would pose a conflict at all. With proper planning, fans could spend several days in Saratoga Springs, watching one company perform and then the other.
"I don’t think one would take away from the other," she said. "It makes a nice package."
City ballet and SPAC reached a mutual agreement for a shortened 2009 season. SPAC typically lost about $1 million per year during the ballet’s three-week season. Likewise, the ballet is facing a $5.5 million deficit this season and announced recently that 11 dancers’ contracts won’t be renewed next year.
Avid ballet fan Louise Goldstein of Saratoga Springs said she’s disappointed about the reduced number of performances overall.
"Instead of another week of dance, it’s going to be two nights and one matinee," she said. "What’s going to happen on those other nights in July? It’s a loss for SPAC in a year when we should be trying to attract all the tourists we can. I have nothing against modern dance. I think they should be in the Little Theater. I hope the house sells out, but I would be shocked."
Spa City resident John DeMarco said, "I would prefer to have a three-week ballet season, but I understand the circumstances in this economy."
SPAC needs to grow beyond regional marketing and try to sell itself internationally, such as the famed Spoleto Music Festival in Italy, he said, perhaps partnering with other venues such as Tanglewood.
"You’ve got to advertise in Europe," he said. "It would be expensive. But then people would come from all over. That would draw the numbers."
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Roosevelt Baths debacle to continue
We understand that only one or two out of four of the baths at Roosevelt Baths with redone pipes is often operational even though a great deal of money has been spent on this already. More information on this latest mess will be posted soon.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
$300,000 of your tax dollars going down the drain at the Roosevelt Baths.
Rumor has it $300,000 of our money has been poured down the drain into the tubs at the Roosevelt Baths and they are not all being used. Seems to us letting children use the water slide and zero depth pool at the Peerless Pool and the beach at Moreau 7 days a week should be a higher priority. Not raising the fee to swim at Victoria Pool from $6 to $8 should also be a better way to spend our money.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Saratoga State Park cutting back on beach at Moreau and Peerless Pool but has money to cut down more wonderful trees and hire a Park naturalist?
Saturday, February 14, 2009 5:16 AM EST
By PAUL POST, The Saratogian
MOREAU —Local moms are concerned about possible cutbacks at Moreau Lake State Park’s swimming beach this summer.
Parks officials are considering a proposal to keep the beach closed Thursdays and Fridays to save money in the midst of a state fiscal crisis.
The move would reduce the amount of funding needed for lifeguards.
“The agency is re-evaluating our schedule in light of these difficult economic times we’re in,” said assistant director for the Saratoga-Capital Region Robert Kuhn. “Everything is under consideration.
“No decisions have been made.”
But a fact sheet distributed by the state sounds more definite.
Amy Cantor, owner of Omelette King Catering in Saratoga Springs, learned about the possible beach cutbacks when responding to an advertisement seeking bids for park concessions.
She was sent a packet of information.
“Prospective bidders are advised that current operations for 2009 include a reduced schedule for the swimming beach at Moreau Lake,” the state said. “The beach is expected to be closed on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the summer.”
The state is facing a possible $1 billion deficit this year and Gov. David Paterson has called on all state agencies to make reductions wherever possible. Cantor said the possibility of reduced Moreau Lake scheduling is an unwelcome development.
“It’s terrible news just from a personal standpoint,” she said. “I take my son there all the time. There’s the pool at Spa State Park, but there’s no place as fun and so close as Moreau Lake. It’s the only place to go.
“The court of public opinion should weigh pretty heavily here.”
Cantor said she has several friends with young children who frequent the park regularly.
The Saratoga-Capital Region consists of 10 state parks and 10 historic sites. In December, parks officials reported that shorter seasons, reduced hours and staff cuts were among possible cost-saving measures.
In addition, state parks gets most of its revenue from golf, camping and vehicle use fees, which might all be going up.
Regional Director Alane Ball Chinian has already said that parks will do less lawn mowing in 2009 to save on fuel, labor and equipment maintenance costs.
Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of saratogian.com.
Teresa wrote on Feb 14, 2009 6:25 AM:
" I bring my children there a lot over the summer and go camping there each summer. What do they plan on doing for the individuals camping there that look forward to walking to the beach each day? This is a real bad idea. I think they ought to cut staff and pay rates not take away from the people. "
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anna wrote on Feb 14, 2009 7:19 AM:
" Closing the Moreau beach two days a week seems really mean..as where else are we to go? Does that mean seniors can use the park free on weekends. This is really the only summer pleasure I know...Please do not limit. "
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mallory wrote on Feb 14, 2009 7:32 AM:
" seems to be alot of the beach goers at Moreau do NOT seem to be wealthy. This beach is most important to local families. Cut back in area where people can afford alternative recreatiion.
We NEED this beach all summer..every day. "
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modest income person wrote on Feb 14, 2009 7:36 AM:
" consider closing cement pools but keep the natural beach open every day. "
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ANN GREGG wrote on Feb 14, 2009 7:40 AM:
" There is not many places where a family can go anymore that doesn't cost a lot of money. A lot of towns don't have public pools and some families just can't afford to have a pool in their yard so where else do they go but to the beach. Closing on a thursday / friday is crazy. When do families go camping. End of the week, right? So this means on long weekends. So if a family goes camping on a thursday in the summer they can't go swimming till saturday. What kind of a impact will this have on the campgrounds or the picinic grounds that the people come in to use. This could result in tragedies of maybe sneaking into the lake swimming without lifeguards or will it be posted on thursdays and fridays as a swim at own risk. At least this way a parent could be responsible for their children. "
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carole ann wrote on Feb 14, 2009 8:13 AM:
" how much pay do lifeguards earn? perhaps that could be posted and maybe some of our local busineses would be willing to chip in for the pay "
By PAUL POST, The Saratogian
MOREAU —Local moms are concerned about possible cutbacks at Moreau Lake State Park’s swimming beach this summer.
Parks officials are considering a proposal to keep the beach closed Thursdays and Fridays to save money in the midst of a state fiscal crisis.
The move would reduce the amount of funding needed for lifeguards.
“The agency is re-evaluating our schedule in light of these difficult economic times we’re in,” said assistant director for the Saratoga-Capital Region Robert Kuhn. “Everything is under consideration.
“No decisions have been made.”
But a fact sheet distributed by the state sounds more definite.
Amy Cantor, owner of Omelette King Catering in Saratoga Springs, learned about the possible beach cutbacks when responding to an advertisement seeking bids for park concessions.
She was sent a packet of information.
“Prospective bidders are advised that current operations for 2009 include a reduced schedule for the swimming beach at Moreau Lake,” the state said. “The beach is expected to be closed on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the summer.”
The state is facing a possible $1 billion deficit this year and Gov. David Paterson has called on all state agencies to make reductions wherever possible. Cantor said the possibility of reduced Moreau Lake scheduling is an unwelcome development.
“It’s terrible news just from a personal standpoint,” she said. “I take my son there all the time. There’s the pool at Spa State Park, but there’s no place as fun and so close as Moreau Lake. It’s the only place to go.
“The court of public opinion should weigh pretty heavily here.”
Cantor said she has several friends with young children who frequent the park regularly.
The Saratoga-Capital Region consists of 10 state parks and 10 historic sites. In December, parks officials reported that shorter seasons, reduced hours and staff cuts were among possible cost-saving measures.
In addition, state parks gets most of its revenue from golf, camping and vehicle use fees, which might all be going up.
Regional Director Alane Ball Chinian has already said that parks will do less lawn mowing in 2009 to save on fuel, labor and equipment maintenance costs.
Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of saratogian.com.
Teresa wrote on Feb 14, 2009 6:25 AM:
" I bring my children there a lot over the summer and go camping there each summer. What do they plan on doing for the individuals camping there that look forward to walking to the beach each day? This is a real bad idea. I think they ought to cut staff and pay rates not take away from the people. "
Report Abuse
anna wrote on Feb 14, 2009 7:19 AM:
" Closing the Moreau beach two days a week seems really mean..as where else are we to go? Does that mean seniors can use the park free on weekends. This is really the only summer pleasure I know...Please do not limit. "
Report Abuse
mallory wrote on Feb 14, 2009 7:32 AM:
" seems to be alot of the beach goers at Moreau do NOT seem to be wealthy. This beach is most important to local families. Cut back in area where people can afford alternative recreatiion.
We NEED this beach all summer..every day. "
Report Abuse
modest income person wrote on Feb 14, 2009 7:36 AM:
" consider closing cement pools but keep the natural beach open every day. "
Report Abuse
ANN GREGG wrote on Feb 14, 2009 7:40 AM:
" There is not many places where a family can go anymore that doesn't cost a lot of money. A lot of towns don't have public pools and some families just can't afford to have a pool in their yard so where else do they go but to the beach. Closing on a thursday / friday is crazy. When do families go camping. End of the week, right? So this means on long weekends. So if a family goes camping on a thursday in the summer they can't go swimming till saturday. What kind of a impact will this have on the campgrounds or the picinic grounds that the people come in to use. This could result in tragedies of maybe sneaking into the lake swimming without lifeguards or will it be posted on thursdays and fridays as a swim at own risk. At least this way a parent could be responsible for their children. "
Report Abuse
carole ann wrote on Feb 14, 2009 8:13 AM:
" how much pay do lifeguards earn? perhaps that could be posted and maybe some of our local busineses would be willing to chip in for the pay "
Friday, February 13, 2009
Saratoga Spa State Park officials show contempt to the tax-paying dog lovers who pay for the 2500 acres of the Park.
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Butterflies may oust canines from select state park space
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A sign in the dog park indicates the presence of Karner Blue Butterflies. (RICK GARGIULO/The Saratogian)
Friday, February 13, 2009 11:33 AM EST
By ANDREW J. BERNSTEIN, The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A proactive approach to resource management in Spa State Park will help create a better habitat for Karner Blue Butterflies, but it might come at some cost to dog owners.
In an effort to better manage natural resources in the park, there will be changes to the landscaping in a parcel on the corner of South Broadway and Crescent Ave, said Alane Ball-Chinian, regional director with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation .
“Commissioner Ash planned a new emphasis on management of resources that are under the stewardship of the Park’s Department,” she said. “She helped get us some staff, so we now have a natural resources person on staff.”
Following the recommendations of the park’s new staff member, the park will make changes along the parcel’s eastern edge, which is out of view from South Broadway.
New landscaping will involve removing some trees and existing topsoil to provide a better growing environment for Wild Blue Lupin, a butterfly-friendly plant. The topsoil will be used to create berms.
“We’re going to reorient the trail system, so that people can walk through there, but there will be a better delineation between where people can walk and the habitat,” she said. “It’ll almost be like a viewing area.”
The parcel in question is currently the site of a popular dog park, where canines are allowed to wander off-leash.
Chinian said the future of the dog park is being contemplated under the park’s master plan, which will be available for public review and comment some time later this spring.
“Changes in that area have nothing to do with development of the master plan. This is driven by our desire to take care of an endangered species,” she said.
While she declined to discuss any specifics in the master plan, she did say that an area for dogs to walk off-leash would be included.
This should allay the concerns of some dog park users, who worry that there are few places where dogs are allowed to be off-leash.
“We all feel that why can’t we come to the middle of the road here. This area, half of it could be strictly just for butterflies. The dogs that go there and their owners are very responsible, the dogs get along well and are happy to be off leashes,” said Sue Sporko, who visits the park regularly with her two dogs, a golden retriever and an American Eskimo.
“It’s a nice interaction to be able to walk through a part of the woods a little bit. It makes them happier pets and when you socialize them like that, they behave better and don’t bite,” Sporko said.
Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Finance Kenneth Ivins Jr., who also regularly visits the park with his dog and who held a meeting in the spring to discuss the proposed plans for the park, said he hadn’t yet been made privy to any firm plans for the park, other than that some portion would be retained for the butterflies.
“At least it’s a compromise, instead of kicking us out. At least we have an area for dogs,” he said.
Poll question: What do you think of the proposed plans to remake the landscape in Spa State Park to be more habitable to Blue Karner butterflies? To answer, go to www.saratogian.com/news and look for the poll in the left column.
Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of saratogian.com.
Suzanne wrote on Feb 13, 2009 8:50 AM:
" I have owned dogs my entire life and not one has eaten or even disturbed a butterfly! Come on - I think the city of Saratoga is ust going too far if they eliminate dogs from the park because of some insect (yes, a buttlefly is still an insect). What is next - elimination of cats if they find a spotted owl? Good luck with that! "
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Dog Lover wrote on Feb 13, 2009 9:31 AM:
" I really hope the new area for dogs includes a fence. Otherwise don't even bother. "
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Matt wrote on Feb 13, 2009 10:21 AM:
" I support the proactivity of the State Park. I am proud to live in an area that tries hard to balance development, open space and, in this case, endangered species protection.
And in response to Suzanne, the city has nothing to do with this decision. This is state park land, paid for by you an I and given the mandate to protect land, and provide recreation opportunities - not so much to build free dog parks. "
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Xtraspatial wrote on Feb 13, 2009 10:58 AM:
" I think the parcel is on the SE corner of Crescent St and South Broadway, not Circular.
Also, Regional Park director's name is Alane Ball Chinian. "
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Web editor wrote on Feb 13, 2009 11:34 AM:
" Right you are on both counts, Xtraspatial. They have been corrected above. Thanks for pointing out the errors. "
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Bassman wrote on Feb 13, 2009 12:41 PM:
" Sue-zanne: GI Rights, Lake Rights, Dog Rights? It's NYS Land. Go Sue the State. "
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Don wrote on Feb 13, 2009 1:38 PM:
" Has there ever been a carner blue butterfly sighting in the last century and a half? All this creature has done is kill many projects due to its alleged existence. "
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Muddy Boots wrote on Feb 13, 2009 2:13 PM:
" Don,
There is an axiom in wildlife biology: "An absence of evidence is not evidence of absence." Your position has been used to downplay the existence of Canada Lynx in Colorado.
Karner Blues have been sighted in the past, their habitat and lifecycle is well-documented, and from this information, there are logical places to protect if we deem such protection a worthwhile proposition (which, apparently, you do not). Karner Blues had a viable population in the Pine Bush that extended for thousands of acres in the mid-Hudson prior to accelerated development without knowledge of consequences.
Perhaps you are right: in our rush to develop the area for our own thneeds, we've probably destroyed all potentially suitable habitat for the Karner Blue butterfly. Who or what is to be lost next? the Bald Eagle (threatend in NYS), the Cougar (endangered in NYS), fresh water, ecosystem services, clean air?
Suzanne, while you are correct that the K B Butterfly is an insect, it plays an important part in the interconnected "web of life" where no species exists in isolation from its community. Too often reductionists ignore the inter-species interactions to the peril of so-called nuisance species. Exterminate the pest and endanger its predator. "
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Dale Ordes wrote on Feb 13, 2009 5:15 PM:
" According to Muddy Boots above, lack of evidence is not evidence of lack of existence. I suppose that means that dragons are might still be lurking in Saratoga Park, even though they haven't been seen in quite a while.
Don above questions how many Karner Blues have been seen. Based on my daily observation, the answer is: not many. Someone should make a cost-benefit analysis of tieing up hundreds of acres of public land in the unlikely hope of possibly seeing one or two Karner Blues in a season. In 15 years of dog walking there, I have seen exactly two of the little blue creatures, but I have seen hundreds of happy dogs and their owners, most of whom (the owners) pay taxes, both local and State.
To answer Matt above, this is not a "free" dog park. Almost every dog walker has already paid for it through taxes.
Ever notice how "preservation" of our public lands initially calls for the destruction of those lands? The "improvers" will cut down more trees and scrape off the top soil in order to plant the lupine which the finicky Karner Blue uses as its almost sole source of nutrition. There currently are plowed and scraped fields located in the park left over from previous planting efforts. Nothing grows there.
One critical endangered specie in the Saratoga Springs area is the Tree. With any more "improvement" that cuts down trees, we will have to go to a Tree Museum just to see'um, as Joanie Mitchell once said.
We thankfully have new political administrations at all levels of government. One of the promises of of the new politicians is transparency in governmental operations. Well, actions about the dog park are shrouded in bureaucratic mystery. Open meetings were a joke, with most of the public's input being dismissed out of hand.
This new wave of government is supposed to reflect the will of those who are affected by governmental decisions. I challenge the parks administration to take a poll or have an election concerning use of the park lands in Saratoga Springs and just see what the public feels on this subject. Want to bet that the public prefers dogs to blue bugs?
The eco-fascists who are trying to expel our dogs from public land are quick to tell the rest of us what we should want and how we are supposed to behave. No one ever elected them for that task.
There is some Federal guilt money that underwrites the Karner Blue. The State parks administration wants this money -- public be damned. That little bit of Federal subsidy is not worth excluding the public from its own parks.
We need a true open and honest forum on how these park lands are to be used.
Dale "
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A.Walker wrote on Feb 13, 2009 5:35 PM:
" I agree with the above writer - there is more to this than meets the eye... and it is probably money. The dogs and the butterflies have co- existed for many years and will probably continue to do so if left on their own.
The issue is not have to chose between endangered species or dogs - it is far more political than any of us has been told.
I thought that the State was having a financial crisis - don't they have really important things to do with the money that they do have?
A taxpayer "
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Huh wrote on Feb 13, 2009 5:38 PM:
" The fact that they want to cut down trees and start modifying the environment to better suit the butterflies pretty much says it all. What an absolute joke. If the butterflies can't live there as it is then that should be their tough luck. To go and start cutting down trees and splitting the atom for them is about as dumb a plan as I have heard yet. If the place is so unsuitable for them then that might explain why their notable absence. 4 years of going there and zero sightings.
I wonder what Darwin would say about this butterfly. "
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Huh wrote on Feb 13, 2009 5:41 PM:
" And what is it about dogs that the butterflies find so offensive? How come they can co-exist with deer, rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, BIRDS and every other animal in the woods, but the mere sight of a dog sends them to their doom?
Maybe they should be relocated? You could employ a bunch of stoner college students to run around all summer with nets and round them up. "
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Jackson wrote on Feb 13, 2009 5:48 PM:
" This should be provided by the City of Saratoga Springs. Plenty of municipalities have this. It is not the state that should provide it. This is land that is nice to walk on, has an endangered species using it and is natural area that is a buffer for the entry into town. If this is a dog park it will probably be fenced in and will look worse than it does now with the lawn torn up. Tell the city that they should build us a dog park not the state. "
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Huh wrote on Feb 13, 2009 5:55 PM:
" "Adult Karner blues usually live about 5-7 days"
"Karner blues are small, with a wingspan of about one inch."
"Most Karner blues stay within about 200 meters of their home lupine patch."
So they live a week, have a wingspan of an inch, which explains why people without an electron microscope don't see them and are finicky eaters.
You know what would be a better use of tax payer dollars? NOT WASTING MONEY ON THESE THINGS!
"Most Karner blues stay within about 200 meters of their home lupine patch."
Which means the home they have is where they live. Now they want to cut down a section of the woods and try and create another suitable growing area for the butterflies. What if they don't move there? Nature has a way of being able to identify real from man made.
You know what folks? Given the economic situation we are in I think the butterfly ranks somewhere around dead last for any tax payer dollars, whether it be from state, federal or local sources.
This is so ridiculous. "
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z wrote on Feb 13, 2009 6:13 PM:
" Please save our butterflys!!!!!!! "
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Butterflies may oust canines from select state park space
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A sign in the dog park indicates the presence of Karner Blue Butterflies. (RICK GARGIULO/The Saratogian)
Friday, February 13, 2009 11:33 AM EST
By ANDREW J. BERNSTEIN, The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A proactive approach to resource management in Spa State Park will help create a better habitat for Karner Blue Butterflies, but it might come at some cost to dog owners.
In an effort to better manage natural resources in the park, there will be changes to the landscaping in a parcel on the corner of South Broadway and Crescent Ave, said Alane Ball-Chinian, regional director with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation .
“Commissioner Ash planned a new emphasis on management of resources that are under the stewardship of the Park’s Department,” she said. “She helped get us some staff, so we now have a natural resources person on staff.”
Following the recommendations of the park’s new staff member, the park will make changes along the parcel’s eastern edge, which is out of view from South Broadway.
New landscaping will involve removing some trees and existing topsoil to provide a better growing environment for Wild Blue Lupin, a butterfly-friendly plant. The topsoil will be used to create berms.
“We’re going to reorient the trail system, so that people can walk through there, but there will be a better delineation between where people can walk and the habitat,” she said. “It’ll almost be like a viewing area.”
The parcel in question is currently the site of a popular dog park, where canines are allowed to wander off-leash.
Chinian said the future of the dog park is being contemplated under the park’s master plan, which will be available for public review and comment some time later this spring.
“Changes in that area have nothing to do with development of the master plan. This is driven by our desire to take care of an endangered species,” she said.
While she declined to discuss any specifics in the master plan, she did say that an area for dogs to walk off-leash would be included.
This should allay the concerns of some dog park users, who worry that there are few places where dogs are allowed to be off-leash.
“We all feel that why can’t we come to the middle of the road here. This area, half of it could be strictly just for butterflies. The dogs that go there and their owners are very responsible, the dogs get along well and are happy to be off leashes,” said Sue Sporko, who visits the park regularly with her two dogs, a golden retriever and an American Eskimo.
“It’s a nice interaction to be able to walk through a part of the woods a little bit. It makes them happier pets and when you socialize them like that, they behave better and don’t bite,” Sporko said.
Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Finance Kenneth Ivins Jr., who also regularly visits the park with his dog and who held a meeting in the spring to discuss the proposed plans for the park, said he hadn’t yet been made privy to any firm plans for the park, other than that some portion would be retained for the butterflies.
“At least it’s a compromise, instead of kicking us out. At least we have an area for dogs,” he said.
Poll question: What do you think of the proposed plans to remake the landscape in Spa State Park to be more habitable to Blue Karner butterflies? To answer, go to www.saratogian.com/news and look for the poll in the left column.
Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of saratogian.com.
Suzanne wrote on Feb 13, 2009 8:50 AM:
" I have owned dogs my entire life and not one has eaten or even disturbed a butterfly! Come on - I think the city of Saratoga is ust going too far if they eliminate dogs from the park because of some insect (yes, a buttlefly is still an insect). What is next - elimination of cats if they find a spotted owl? Good luck with that! "
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Dog Lover wrote on Feb 13, 2009 9:31 AM:
" I really hope the new area for dogs includes a fence. Otherwise don't even bother. "
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Matt wrote on Feb 13, 2009 10:21 AM:
" I support the proactivity of the State Park. I am proud to live in an area that tries hard to balance development, open space and, in this case, endangered species protection.
And in response to Suzanne, the city has nothing to do with this decision. This is state park land, paid for by you an I and given the mandate to protect land, and provide recreation opportunities - not so much to build free dog parks. "
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Xtraspatial wrote on Feb 13, 2009 10:58 AM:
" I think the parcel is on the SE corner of Crescent St and South Broadway, not Circular.
Also, Regional Park director's name is Alane Ball Chinian. "
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Web editor wrote on Feb 13, 2009 11:34 AM:
" Right you are on both counts, Xtraspatial. They have been corrected above. Thanks for pointing out the errors. "
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Bassman wrote on Feb 13, 2009 12:41 PM:
" Sue-zanne: GI Rights, Lake Rights, Dog Rights? It's NYS Land. Go Sue the State. "
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Don wrote on Feb 13, 2009 1:38 PM:
" Has there ever been a carner blue butterfly sighting in the last century and a half? All this creature has done is kill many projects due to its alleged existence. "
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Muddy Boots wrote on Feb 13, 2009 2:13 PM:
" Don,
There is an axiom in wildlife biology: "An absence of evidence is not evidence of absence." Your position has been used to downplay the existence of Canada Lynx in Colorado.
Karner Blues have been sighted in the past, their habitat and lifecycle is well-documented, and from this information, there are logical places to protect if we deem such protection a worthwhile proposition (which, apparently, you do not). Karner Blues had a viable population in the Pine Bush that extended for thousands of acres in the mid-Hudson prior to accelerated development without knowledge of consequences.
Perhaps you are right: in our rush to develop the area for our own thneeds, we've probably destroyed all potentially suitable habitat for the Karner Blue butterfly. Who or what is to be lost next? the Bald Eagle (threatend in NYS), the Cougar (endangered in NYS), fresh water, ecosystem services, clean air?
Suzanne, while you are correct that the K B Butterfly is an insect, it plays an important part in the interconnected "web of life" where no species exists in isolation from its community. Too often reductionists ignore the inter-species interactions to the peril of so-called nuisance species. Exterminate the pest and endanger its predator. "
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Dale Ordes wrote on Feb 13, 2009 5:15 PM:
" According to Muddy Boots above, lack of evidence is not evidence of lack of existence. I suppose that means that dragons are might still be lurking in Saratoga Park, even though they haven't been seen in quite a while.
Don above questions how many Karner Blues have been seen. Based on my daily observation, the answer is: not many. Someone should make a cost-benefit analysis of tieing up hundreds of acres of public land in the unlikely hope of possibly seeing one or two Karner Blues in a season. In 15 years of dog walking there, I have seen exactly two of the little blue creatures, but I have seen hundreds of happy dogs and their owners, most of whom (the owners) pay taxes, both local and State.
To answer Matt above, this is not a "free" dog park. Almost every dog walker has already paid for it through taxes.
Ever notice how "preservation" of our public lands initially calls for the destruction of those lands? The "improvers" will cut down more trees and scrape off the top soil in order to plant the lupine which the finicky Karner Blue uses as its almost sole source of nutrition. There currently are plowed and scraped fields located in the park left over from previous planting efforts. Nothing grows there.
One critical endangered specie in the Saratoga Springs area is the Tree. With any more "improvement" that cuts down trees, we will have to go to a Tree Museum just to see'um, as Joanie Mitchell once said.
We thankfully have new political administrations at all levels of government. One of the promises of of the new politicians is transparency in governmental operations. Well, actions about the dog park are shrouded in bureaucratic mystery. Open meetings were a joke, with most of the public's input being dismissed out of hand.
This new wave of government is supposed to reflect the will of those who are affected by governmental decisions. I challenge the parks administration to take a poll or have an election concerning use of the park lands in Saratoga Springs and just see what the public feels on this subject. Want to bet that the public prefers dogs to blue bugs?
The eco-fascists who are trying to expel our dogs from public land are quick to tell the rest of us what we should want and how we are supposed to behave. No one ever elected them for that task.
There is some Federal guilt money that underwrites the Karner Blue. The State parks administration wants this money -- public be damned. That little bit of Federal subsidy is not worth excluding the public from its own parks.
We need a true open and honest forum on how these park lands are to be used.
Dale "
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A.Walker wrote on Feb 13, 2009 5:35 PM:
" I agree with the above writer - there is more to this than meets the eye... and it is probably money. The dogs and the butterflies have co- existed for many years and will probably continue to do so if left on their own.
The issue is not have to chose between endangered species or dogs - it is far more political than any of us has been told.
I thought that the State was having a financial crisis - don't they have really important things to do with the money that they do have?
A taxpayer "
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Huh wrote on Feb 13, 2009 5:38 PM:
" The fact that they want to cut down trees and start modifying the environment to better suit the butterflies pretty much says it all. What an absolute joke. If the butterflies can't live there as it is then that should be their tough luck. To go and start cutting down trees and splitting the atom for them is about as dumb a plan as I have heard yet. If the place is so unsuitable for them then that might explain why their notable absence. 4 years of going there and zero sightings.
I wonder what Darwin would say about this butterfly. "
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Huh wrote on Feb 13, 2009 5:41 PM:
" And what is it about dogs that the butterflies find so offensive? How come they can co-exist with deer, rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, BIRDS and every other animal in the woods, but the mere sight of a dog sends them to their doom?
Maybe they should be relocated? You could employ a bunch of stoner college students to run around all summer with nets and round them up. "
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Jackson wrote on Feb 13, 2009 5:48 PM:
" This should be provided by the City of Saratoga Springs. Plenty of municipalities have this. It is not the state that should provide it. This is land that is nice to walk on, has an endangered species using it and is natural area that is a buffer for the entry into town. If this is a dog park it will probably be fenced in and will look worse than it does now with the lawn torn up. Tell the city that they should build us a dog park not the state. "
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Huh wrote on Feb 13, 2009 5:55 PM:
" "Adult Karner blues usually live about 5-7 days"
"Karner blues are small, with a wingspan of about one inch."
"Most Karner blues stay within about 200 meters of their home lupine patch."
So they live a week, have a wingspan of an inch, which explains why people without an electron microscope don't see them and are finicky eaters.
You know what would be a better use of tax payer dollars? NOT WASTING MONEY ON THESE THINGS!
"Most Karner blues stay within about 200 meters of their home lupine patch."
Which means the home they have is where they live. Now they want to cut down a section of the woods and try and create another suitable growing area for the butterflies. What if they don't move there? Nature has a way of being able to identify real from man made.
You know what folks? Given the economic situation we are in I think the butterfly ranks somewhere around dead last for any tax payer dollars, whether it be from state, federal or local sources.
This is so ridiculous. "
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z wrote on Feb 13, 2009 6:13 PM:
" Please save our butterflys!!!!!!! "
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Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Saratoga-Capital District region Park lowers its entry fee
We understand that Mine Kill NYS Park has lowered its entry fee to $3 from $6 to enter the park and assume Saratoga Spa State Park will also lower its fee since it is in the same region--Saratoga-Capital District. The swimming Pool at Mine Kill charges $3 for admission and we hope the Victoria and Peerless Pool will be charging the same.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Stop the nonsense and get a grip, folks!
Lately some of the comments on this blog have gotten so silly it is ridiculous. Save the Victoria Pool Society is a grass-roots group of very ordinary hard-working and lately unemployed people in some cases. In these tough economic times our only agenda as always is to preserve and maintain the most beautiful swimming pool and NYS park in America, Victoria Pool and Saratoga Spa State Park. This is a public park paid for with our hard-earned tax-dollars. With the help of the public and the Press, Save the Victoria Pool Society was able to get State and Federal Officials to agree to rehabilitate the Victoria Pool from certain demise in 2003. Thanks to great support from the entire upstate region and beyond the Victoria Pool obtained $1.5 million of our(public) money to preserve it in 2003. All we want is to have the Victoria Pool opened for a reasonable amount of the summer, June, July and August at a price people can afford, $6, since we all pay already for Saratoga Spa State Park. Millions of dollars of our public money have also been poured into the Peerless Pool to build a water slide and repair it recently and it would be disastrous to close the Peerless two days a wk.
We have no political or financial aspirations and our only concern is to enhance the quality of life in upstate NY where no other State pool exists within 100+miles.
The distracting comments on this blog only make those that write them appear idiotic.
We have no political or financial aspirations and our only concern is to enhance the quality of life in upstate NY where no other State pool exists within 100+miles.
The distracting comments on this blog only make those that write them appear idiotic.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Yet another historic treasure long ignored by Saratoga Spa State Park
Rotting in the park
By DREW KERR
dkerr@poststar.com
Updated: Wednesday, February 4, 2009 1:22 AM EST
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SARATOGA SPRINGS - The snow-white paint is falling, flake by flake, from the facade, exposing the gray hue of worn wood beneath.
Windows devoid of glass panes are either covered in thin sheets of plywood or have become a point of entry for vines and animals.
Small overhangs above the doors sag, standing only with the assistance of a pair of two-by-fours used as makeshift props.
Inside, the smell of dust and mold is pervasive. Wallpaper is peeling from the drywall, and nothing more than a mustard yellow oven and a small potted plant on a haphazard shelf can be found.
This is the collective aesthetic of the single-story home situated between the Saratoga Tree Nursery's fields and the third hole of the Saratoga Spa State Park's golf course.
Unless state officials alter course, the picture is likely to get worse.
Vacant for more than three decades, the state has tried and failed over the years to solicit private investment in the structure. They've also considered demolition and, now, say they've got no plans for the building whatsoever.
"Even demolition is expensive, so it still just sits there waiting for an answer," said Robert Kuhn, the assistant regional director for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
The building does have its share of history, though.
According to documents provided by the Library of Congress, the one-story structure was built sometime around 1835 by Charles Patrick, who used it as the centerpiece of his 150-acre farmstead.
At that time, the surrounding Saratoga Spa State Park had not been developed.
Diana Armstrong's grandparents, Daniel and Norah Ronan, and her mother, Florence, lived in the building during the early 1900s and farmed the surrounding area. The house then was split into a duplex and was shared by two school teachers, Armstrong said.
She said she has never been in the house but has visited to take pictures in recent years.
"Whenever I drive down South Broadway, I always look down between the trees to see if it's still there," she said.
In 1928, as efforts to expand the park were underway, the state assumed ownership of the building.
It was used to house managers for the tree nursery until 1976, when the final occupant, Hank LaTour, died and his family moved out.
Robert Macica, who lived in a nearby house that the state eventually took through eminent domain, said he worked for LaTour but never had the chance to enter the house.
"It was well maintained, but it looked old even then," he said.
Efforts to find an alternative use for the building have thusfar been unsuccessful.
In 1997, state officials attempted to attract developers who would build a golf course on land adjacent to the park and included a 20-year lease for the house in the deal.
But its awkward placement -- the building can't be reached by road -- spoiled any chance of its potential revitalization.
Defeated, state officials suggested several years ago that it be torn down, a proposal that never came to fruition. The suggestion was made again last year, but it was put off again because of the state budget crunch, officials said.
Now, Alane Ball Chinian, the parks department's regional director, said she'd like to see something done with the building.
"It needs to be preserved and re-purposed," she said. "It's a historic building without a use."
But Dan Keefe, a spokesman for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said there are no plans to do anything with the house.
Officials are creating a master plan for the entire state park now, and ideas for the building could be included in that document, Keefe said.
The plan may also propose new uses for other, smaller abandoned structures in the park, as well as the now-vacant Roosevelt bathhouse.
By DREW KERR
dkerr@poststar.com
Updated: Wednesday, February 4, 2009 1:22 AM EST
Larger Text
Smaller Text
Share
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SARATOGA SPRINGS - The snow-white paint is falling, flake by flake, from the facade, exposing the gray hue of worn wood beneath.
Windows devoid of glass panes are either covered in thin sheets of plywood or have become a point of entry for vines and animals.
Small overhangs above the doors sag, standing only with the assistance of a pair of two-by-fours used as makeshift props.
Inside, the smell of dust and mold is pervasive. Wallpaper is peeling from the drywall, and nothing more than a mustard yellow oven and a small potted plant on a haphazard shelf can be found.
This is the collective aesthetic of the single-story home situated between the Saratoga Tree Nursery's fields and the third hole of the Saratoga Spa State Park's golf course.
Unless state officials alter course, the picture is likely to get worse.
Vacant for more than three decades, the state has tried and failed over the years to solicit private investment in the structure. They've also considered demolition and, now, say they've got no plans for the building whatsoever.
"Even demolition is expensive, so it still just sits there waiting for an answer," said Robert Kuhn, the assistant regional director for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
The building does have its share of history, though.
According to documents provided by the Library of Congress, the one-story structure was built sometime around 1835 by Charles Patrick, who used it as the centerpiece of his 150-acre farmstead.
At that time, the surrounding Saratoga Spa State Park had not been developed.
Diana Armstrong's grandparents, Daniel and Norah Ronan, and her mother, Florence, lived in the building during the early 1900s and farmed the surrounding area. The house then was split into a duplex and was shared by two school teachers, Armstrong said.
She said she has never been in the house but has visited to take pictures in recent years.
"Whenever I drive down South Broadway, I always look down between the trees to see if it's still there," she said.
In 1928, as efforts to expand the park were underway, the state assumed ownership of the building.
It was used to house managers for the tree nursery until 1976, when the final occupant, Hank LaTour, died and his family moved out.
Robert Macica, who lived in a nearby house that the state eventually took through eminent domain, said he worked for LaTour but never had the chance to enter the house.
"It was well maintained, but it looked old even then," he said.
Efforts to find an alternative use for the building have thusfar been unsuccessful.
In 1997, state officials attempted to attract developers who would build a golf course on land adjacent to the park and included a 20-year lease for the house in the deal.
But its awkward placement -- the building can't be reached by road -- spoiled any chance of its potential revitalization.
Defeated, state officials suggested several years ago that it be torn down, a proposal that never came to fruition. The suggestion was made again last year, but it was put off again because of the state budget crunch, officials said.
Now, Alane Ball Chinian, the parks department's regional director, said she'd like to see something done with the building.
"It needs to be preserved and re-purposed," she said. "It's a historic building without a use."
But Dan Keefe, a spokesman for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said there are no plans to do anything with the house.
Officials are creating a master plan for the entire state park now, and ideas for the building could be included in that document, Keefe said.
The plan may also propose new uses for other, smaller abandoned structures in the park, as well as the now-vacant Roosevelt bathhouse.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
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