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Senator Bruno, Assemblyman McDonald and Governor Pataki view the new land acquisition near Kayaderosseras Creek. |
State to Purchase 345 Acres and Increase Recreational Access to Kayaderosseras Creek
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Governor George E. Pataki and Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno today announced the expansion of Saratoga Spa State Park with the acquisition of two new properties totaling 345 acres in the Town of Malta and the City of Saratoga Springs. The acquisitions will increase the size of Saratoga Spa State Park, a National Historic Landmark, to 2,545 acres and provide greater public recreational access along the north and south banks of Kayaderosseras Creek.
"By acquiring this land along the Creek and expanding the scenic Saratoga Spa State Park, we are protecting our environmental resources and expanding opportunities for Saratoga and Capital Region residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the Park," Governor Pataki said. "This latest acquisition will open up new opportunities for waterfront recreation and give an even greater boost to the Park's reputation as a very popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the Saratoga region."
"We're proud to lead the nation in preserving and protecting our natural resources for the enjoyment of our children and future generations. Today's announcement will build on our historic commitment to open space preservation and marks another milestone in our ambitious goal of preserving one million acres of open space within ten years," the Governor added.
Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno said, "This expansion builds on our commitment to improve and expand Saratoga Spa State Park for the enjoyment of people in the Capital Region. This park is a jewel and many improvements have been made over the last decade at the Victoria Pool, at SPAC and other parts of the park. I applaud Governor Pataki for his commitment to Saratoga Spa State Park and his commitment to preserving beautiful lands throughout the State."
Since 1995, the State has protected more than 780,000 acres of open space across New York -- an amount of land roughly equal in size to the State of Rhode Island. In his January 2004 State of the State address, Governor Pataki laid out an ambitious goal to make New York State a leader in open space preservation, to open five new State parks in the next two years and to open or expand 20 additional State parks over the next five years. The first of these new parks, Robert G. Wehle State Park, opened in Jefferson County on September 17, 2004.
The 239-acre Malta parcel is on the south side of Kayaderosseras Creek and north of Old Post Road and the 106-acre property in the City of Saratoga Springs is on the north side of the Creek and east of Route 50. The plan for the properties includes improvements for canoe, paddling and fishing access to the Creek. The purchase will also provide further protections for environmentally sensitive wetlands. The State purchased the two parcels for $277,782 using funding from the 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act.
Assemblyman Jim Tedisco said, "Nothing can do more to enrich the quality of life in our communities for current and future generations than the expansion of recreational opportunities. Saratoga's reputation as a great place to live, work, visit and play can only be enhanced by the Governor's ambitious efforts to expand this beautiful and scenic park."
Assemblyman Roy McDonald said, "I applaud the Governor's and Senator Bruno's continued efforts in land conservation and preservation of wetlands throughout the State of New York. I am especially proud of today's announcement that adds 345 acres to the Saratoga Spa State Park. This expansion will add improvements for canoeing and fishing access for not only today's New Yorkers but for future generations as well."
Michael Lenz, Mayor of Saratoga Springs, said, "I applaud Governor Pataki for his commitment to preserving the State's natural resources. Governor Pataki's administration has taken a leadership role in ensuring that future generations have the enjoyment of our rich natural resources."
Saratoga Spa State Park offers a variety of important natural areas. The addition of these parcels will ensure the viability not only of the Kayaderosseras wetlands but the quality of adjacent upland forested areas. The wetlands are critical to the protection of the water quality of the Creek which is a major tributary to Saratoga Lake. These parcels also greatly enhance the protection of the Kayaderosseras Creek corridor, which in turn contributes to the quality of the ecosystems along Geyser Creek, which also flows through the Park.
"Governor Pataki has made an unprecedented investment in land conservation and capital improvement projects to enhance the visitor experience at state parks across New York," said State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro. "Here in the Capital District, we are steadfast in our commitment to increasing open space for public recreation while helping safeguard sensitive natural resources. Saratoga Spa State Park has always been a favorite destination for New Yorkers and with the addition of new waterfront recreation, even more patrons will experience the property's many activities. With limited public access along the Kayaderosseras Creek, this property will play a valuable role in providing enjoyable canoeing and paddling for residents and visitors and further our stewardship of the region's natural heritage."
Ruth DiBelius, Chair of the Board of the Friends of the Kayaderosseras, said, "Conserving the Kayaderosseras is important as we seek to protect the habitat surrounding the creek and open up public access to this scenic and historic waterway. Today's acquisition by the state is a tremendous step in the effort to highlight this valuable natural resource and reinforce its significance to the community."
Over the last nine years, the State has spent more than $10 million on capital improvements at the legendary Saratoga Spa State Park. In July 2004, the Commissioner unveiled the first phase of the $1.5 million restoration and revitalization project at the historic Victoria Pool at Saratoga Spa Park. Work completed included interior and exterior renovations to the building, upgrades to the pool's mechanical equipment and enhanced landscape design and plantings. The second phase of capital upgrades will include the remaining exterior renovations to the building, pool restoration, and a new pool deck. The phase II work on the pool will begin in the fall of 2004 and will be completed by the spring of 2005.
The Park features mineral baths, the famed Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), the Gideon Putnam Hotel, two golf courses, two pool complexes, the Antique Automobile Museum, trails, picnic pavilions, wetlands, trout streams, tennis courts, and play areas.
Since 1995, the Governor has opened 19 new State parks and preserved a total of more than 780,000 acres of open space statewide. In his 2002 State of the State address, the Governor set the ambitious goal to protect an additional one million acres of open space within 10 years.
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