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Genesee County parks

Genesee County Parks eliminates lottery process for pavilion reservations in 2025

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Genesee County Parks Department is excited to announce updates to its reservation process for park shelters and pavilions at Genesee County Park and Forest and DeWitt Recreation Area.

The department launched an online reservation system last year and, with its success, has decided to discontinue the traditional mail-in lottery system. 

Starting January 1, park reservations for 2025 will open to the public. Visitors can reserve their preferred date and location online at https://bit.ly/GenCoParksReserve or in person via a paper form at the Genesee County Highway Department at 153 Cedar Street, Batavia.

Reservation Details:

  • Online Reservations: Visitors can use the online platform to secure their reservations quickly and conveniently.
  • In-Person Reservations: Reservations can be made in person at the Genesee County Highway Department at 153 Cedar Street, Batavia. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Eliminated Lottery System: Reservations will be confirmed immediately upon payment, simplifying the process.

“We are thrilled to provide both online and in-person reservation options for 2025,” said Timothy J. Hens, Genesee County Public Works Commissioner. “The elimination of the lottery system and the addition of these flexible options will make planning park visits easier and more efficient for everyone.”

For more information or assistance, please call 585-344-8508, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Genesee County Parks Department launches new e-reservation system for pavilions

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Genesee County Parks Department is excited to announce the launch of a new e-reservation system for pavilions at the DeWitt Recreation Area and the Genesee County Park and Forest. The system is now available on the county website and can be accessed directly at this link.

With the introduction of the e-reservation system, residents can enjoy the convenience of booking a specific pavilion entirely online 24/7. The system offers real-time availability, ensuring users can quickly and easily see which pavilions are available for their preferred dates and times. 

“At Genesee County Parks, we are committed to modernizing our services to better meet the needs of residents," said Paul Osborn, Deputy Highway Superintendent. "The new e-reservation system is a testament to our dedication to providing convenient, user-friendly options for our community to enjoy our beautiful park facilities.”

For those who prefer the traditional method, pavilions can still be reserved by filling out a form at the Genesee County Highway Department, located at 153 Cedar St, Batavia, NY, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In-person reservations can be paid by check or cash. The new online system only accepts debit or credit card payments and charges a convenience fee of $3 for transactions up to $100 and 3% of the total if the amount is over $100. This fee is collected by the system provider, not the county.

For more information or assistance with the new e-reservation system, please contact the Genesee County Highway Department at (585) 344-8508.

GLOW offers chance to win a composting machine

By Press Release

Press Release:

The GLOW Region Solid Waste Committee is pleased to offer the opportunity to win a composting machine and composting packet. Residents from Genesee, Livingston, and Wyoming Counties are eligible to participate. 

Contact the GLOW office (glow@co.genesee.ny.us) for your opportunity to win! Participants will receive a questionnaire, to be completed based on GLOW’s composting demonstration site at the Genesee County Parks Interpretative Nature Center. 

The winner will be notified directly by the GLOW office. Please contact GLOW with any questions or concerns: glow@co.genesee.ny.us or 585-815-7906. 

“Everyone should compost! Composting allows for the conservation of water, healthier soil, and the reduction of waste in our landfills and waterways.”- Amanda Lee, Recycling Administrator. This program is made possible by the county's funding and DEC grants.

GC parks and O-A Lions club announce free fishing weekend and derby

By Press Release
fishing derby
FIle photo from 2016
Photo by Howard Owens

Press Release:

Join the Genesee County Parks along with the Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club and try out fishing at DeWitt Recreation Area on Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.! 

No fishing license is required. This is part of the NYSDEC’s Free Fishing Weekend, perfect for beginners! 

The program meets at Pavilion 2. Friendly guides will be on hand to assist you. Fishing gear and bait are provided or bring your own.

Hot dogs, chips, and water are for sale. All proceeds benefit the Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club. Kids up to age 16 can join the fun and get the chance to win a prize for catching the biggest fish, sponsored by the Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club! One lucky derby fisher will also win the door prize! 

This program is FREE!! Call 585-344-1122 to register, or walk-ins are also welcome.

Call 585-344-1122 to register. For more information, visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or 585-344-1122.

GC Parks open but public programs cancelled for April

By Billie Owens

Press release:

All Genesee County Parks, which entail the Genesee County Park & Forest and DeWitt Recreation Area, are open for recreational use from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day until May 3.

The following restrictions are in place for the Genesee County Park & Forest and DeWitt Recreation Area due to the COVID-19 Pandemic:

  1. The Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest will be closed until April 29th and reopening will be re-evaluated at that time.

  2. There will be no public programming at the Genesee County Park & Forest or at DeWitt Recreation Area until further notice.

  3. All existing picnic shelter reservations are cancelled until April 29th and will be re-evaluated at that time. Refunds may be provided or reservations may be rescheduled.

  4. There will be no special events or other group functions allowed at the Genesee County Park & Forest or DeWitt Recreation Area until April 29th and will be re-evaluated at that time.

  5. As shelter reservations occur face-to-face in the main office, Genesee County Parks will not be accepting any new picnic shelter reservations until April 29th.

  6. The park gates (winter) will remain closed to vehicles until May 4th in accordance with the normal annual park schedule. Parking is available at Areas A, B and Horse Trailer (rear gate) parking for the Genesee County Park & Forest and at the South entrance for DeWitt Recreation Area.

  7. Normal park hours of operation are still in effect (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Winter Hours until May 3rd.

  8. Playgrounds at the parks are closed until further notice.

Please practice social distancing of at least 6 feet and adhere to the gathering rules put in place by the NYS Governor and the NYS PAUSE ACT. Individuals should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities where they come in close contact with other people.

Following these rules will keep the entire community safe and healthy as the parks are enjoyed by everyone.

Conservation Education Programs Coordinator Shannon Lyaski is providing teachers, scout leaders, youth leaders and other program coordinators with support for science and nature-related lessons and activities this spring.

Visit the Genesee County Parks website to contact her. Check the County Parks Facebook page at Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry for park updates and fun resources and activities to do at home.

Please contact Paul Osborn, Deputy Highway Superintendent of Facilities, Parks, Recreation & Forestry:   Paul.Osborn@co.genesee.ny.us or call (585) 344-8508.

For more information visit our website.

ACORN awarded one of nine grants from Parks & Trails New York

By Billie Owens

The Association for Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces, Inc., (ACORNS) is one of nine nonprofit park and trail groups selected to receive a Capacity Building Grant from the statewide advocacy organization, Parks & Trails New York.

ACORNS was formed to provide service and support of the parks owned and managed by Genesee County. Its mission is foster environmental education, recreational opportunities and responsible environmental stewardship of local parks.

The Parks & Trails grants are designed to help groups increase organizational visibility and generate community support, grow membership and attract additional volunteers. ACORNS' grant will be used for membership and volunteer recruitment brochures and banners.

"Grassroots groups play a key role in the development and promotion of our state's many parks and trails, which make such a significant contribution to the economy of our cities, towns and villages as well as to the health and well-being of their residents," said Robin Dropkin, executive director, Parks & Trails New York.

"Made possible by a generous private donor, these nine grants are a small investment in strengthening our state's not-for-profit park and trail organizations that will reap big benefits, enabling these groups to leverage more private funding and marshal more volunteer power to better fill the gaps in government spending created by challenging economic times.

Parks & Trails New York received 55 applications from organizations located in 30 counties throughout the state. This is the second year that Parks & Trails New York has offered funding assistance.

“This grant comes at a critical time as we implement our membership-growth strategy and expand our outreach efforts,” said Julia Garver, President of ACORNS. “Our organization relies on the hard work and commitment of volunteers, and as funding for projects in the parks in Genesee County is jeopardized, we need to continue to grow our volunteer base. We are grateful for the support of Parks & Trails New York, and its recognition of the incredible value of volunteers.”

For 20 years, Parks & Trails New York has helped hundreds of groups and municipalities build, maintain, and promote parks, greenways, and more than 1,200 miles of multi-use trails.

More information on the grant program and Parks & Trails New York can be found on the website, www.ptny.org or by calling 518-434-1583. More information about ACORNS can be found at http://acorns.shutterfly.com/ or by calling 585-343-8514.

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