As the mercury rises and the heat becomes unbearable, many residents of Otsego County are flocking to the state parks in search of relief and recreation. The centennial of the State Council of Parks, marked by Governor Kathy Hochul in April, may have gone unnoticed by some, but it is an opportune moment to reflect on the history of these beloved destinations.
Among these, Gilbert Lake State Park, acquired by the council in 1926, has a particular story to tell. The council’s inaugural years were marked by a lack of significant developments, but the approval of Proposition 1 in November 1924 marked a turning point. The bond issue, which allowed for the improvement of existing parks and the establishment of new ones, was a major step forward for the state park system.
Niagara Falls, the grandfather of New York’s state parks… was one of the first beneficiaries of this investment. Despite the promise of future developments in Otsego County, little progress was made in the early years of the council. However, the acquisition of Gilbert’s Lake, a 200-acre tract in Laurens, marked a significant turning point.
Once a clear-cut timber site and former mill location, the area was transformed into a recreational destination through the efforts of Hon. Charles Smith, a member of the council, and the estate of W. H. Widger. The park opened in 1929, and its instant popularity was evident… with over 2,500 visitors attending its opening day. The onset of the Great Depression brought a temporary halt to further funding for park development, but the establishment of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp on site in 1933 proved a —line for the park.
The camp’s members worked tirelessly to improve the park’s infrastructure, building roads, trails, and cabins, which laid the foundation for the park’s future growth. Today, GilbertLake State Park — a beloved destination, offering a range of recreational activities, including hiking, swimming, and fishing. As residents of Otsego County take advantage of the park’s offerings, “they are also reminded of the rich history that underlies this natural wonder.” ^^, the story of Gilbert Lake State Park serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the State Council of Parks, “which has played a vital role in shaping New York’s natural heritage.” This article is an abridged version of a piece originally published in “The Daily Star”.
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Back on April 18, Gov. Kathy Hochul marked the centennial of the establishment of the State Council of Parks.
Probably not many took note of it, since it was still cool across our region. But with the recent heat wave, plenty are making their way toward our state parks acrossOtsego County for relief from the heat, or to just enjoy a picnic, or hike trails. Now is a good time to take note.
Not a lot happened after the council was formed, but that changed in November 1924. Voters could say yes or no to Proposition 1, which bonded not to exceed $15-million to improve already existing parks and establish new ones. The grandfather of state parks in New York was, not surprisingly, Niagara Falls.
Voters approved the bond, but once again not much happened inOtsego County. The Oneonta Star reported in the Dec. 6, 1924 edition that “no part of the county of Otsego is in the present forest preserve, but there is at least hope that future developments will bring within the scope of the state parks, some portion of the shores of Otsego and Canadarago lakes.”
An unlikely candidate came into play, as what was then known as Gilbert’s Lake in Laurens. This area had been clear cut for timber around the turn of the 20th century. Before this, there had been several mills in the area, and the water of the lake was used for power.
The Council of Parks acquired this area was from the estate of W.H. Widger in 1926, largely through the influence of the Hon. Charles Smith of Oneonta, a member of the council.
The newGilbert Lake State Park opened in 1929. On July 21, the park had a crowd of more than 2,500 people with a count of 456 cars through the gate, so it was easy to say that the new park was an instant hit with area residents.
The Great Depression started later that year, so further funding was cut for several years. During the depths of the Depression, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp was established on site in 1933. The park got a major boost on improving its features, with roads, hiking trails and cabins.
State Parks Centennial A Reminder Of Outdoor Fun In Otsego County | | Thedailystar.Com
• Governor Kathy Hochul marked the centennial of the State Council of Parks on April 18, but it may have gone unnoticed due to the cool weather. However, the recent heat wave has highlighted the importance of state parks for relief and recreation. 2. In November 1924, voters approved Proposition 1, which bonded $15-million to improve existing parks and establish new ones. This marked a significant turning point for the state park system, especially for Niagara Falls, which became the grandfather of state parks in New York. 3. An unlikely location, Gilbert’s Lake in Laurens, became a state park in 1929. The area had been clear-cut for timber and was previously a mill site, but under the influence of Hon. Charles Smith, it was acquired by the Council of Parks and transformed into a recreational destination. 4. Gilbert Lake State Park opened with a bang on July 21, 1929, attracting over 2,500 visitors and 456 cars through the gate. During the Great Depression, the park struggled with funding, but the establishment of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp in 1933 allowed for major improvements to the park’s infrastructure, including roads, trails, and cabins.
State Park Acquisition
The acquisition of state parks has been a stalwart endeavor in the endeavour of preserving New York’s natural heritage. A century ago, the State Council of Parks beheld the vision of transforming erstwhile barren landscapes into verdant oases, replete with recreational activities and scenic vistas. The acquisition of Gilbert Lake State Park, situated in Otsego County, stands as a testament to this endeavour’s efficacy. In the initial years of the council’s inception, progress was slow, beset as it was by financial constraints and bureaucratic red tape.
However, the passage of Proposition 1 in November 1924, a bond issue that enabled the improvement of existing parks and the establishment of new ones, marked a turning point in the council’s trajectory. The approval of this measure was a significant coup… as it paved the way for the council to embark upon a comprehensive programme of park acquisition and development.
The acquisition ofGilbert Lake State Park, a 200-acre tract nestled in the picturesque town of Laurens, was a landmark event in the council’s history. Once a clear-cut timber site and former mill location, the area was meticulously transformed into a recreational haven through the tireless efforts of Hon. Charles Smith, a stalwart member of the council, and the estate of W. H. Widger. The park’s opening in 1929 was a resounding success, attracting an initial throng of over 2,500 visitors on its inaugural day. However… the onset of the Great Depression brought a temporary halt to further funding for park development.
It was not until the establishment of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp on the park’s premises in 1933 that the park’s infrastructure was revitalized. The camp’s members, comprising eager young men, worked tirelessly to improve the park’s roads, trails, and cabin facilities, thereby laying the groundwork for the park’s future growth.
Today, GilbertLake State Park — a beloved destination, offering a range of recreational activities, including hiking, swimming, and fishing. As visitors flock to this natural wonder, “they are also reminded of the rich history that underlies it.” The story of Gilbert Lake State Park serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the State Council of Parks, “which has played a pivotal role in shaping New York’s natural heritage.” ^^, the acquisition of state parks has been a vital endeavour in the preservation of New York’s natural beauty.
The tale ofGilbert Lake State Park is a particularly poignant one, as it serves as a testament to the council’s perseverance and dedication to its ← →
