Lockport project among those receiving Parks & Trails New York funds
Parks & Trails New York, with funding provided by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, has announced $61,754 in competitive grants to eight municipalities in Western New York.
The Trail Town Grants are aimed at boosting local economies by leveraging visitation to nearby public lands. The grants are used to promote place-making efforts, improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, and implement community-driven projects that prioritize active transportation alternatives for cyclists and pedestrians.
Among the awards is $4,050 to Lockport Main Street to create a brochure map of the City of Lockport designed to connect visitors and users of the Empire State Trail to local businesses, amenities, and attractions.
'At PTNY, we believe in the power of trails. Not only do they bring in visitors and boost local economies — they support healthier communities, enhance outdoor recreation, and improve pedestrian safety,' Parks & Trails New York Executive Director Paul Steely White. 'Western New York is becoming an outdoor recreation destination, and this much-needed funding will foster adventure for tourists and locals alike.'
The grants will enable communities residing along the 90-mile Genesee Valley Greenway and the western portion of the Empire State Trail to take advantage of visitation to these trails and other outdoor recreational resources in the area. The Trail Town grants help foster place-making efforts, encourage safer, more accessible streets for cyclists and pedestrians in Trail Town communities, and spur investment in new amenities, materials, events, and programs geared towards outdoor users.
Since 2019, PTNY has supported regional Trail Town programs. A concept that was born along the Great Allegheny Passage has spread to other parts of the country, including in New York State. Parks & Trails New York has been able to support a similar initiative in the rural Genesee Valley region in partnership with the Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway, the Office of State Parks, and Letchworth Gateway Villages.
As part of PTNY's portfolio along the Erie Canalway Trail, sponsored by the New York State Canal Corporation, this program has expanded to communities along the 750-mile Empire State Trail, helping municipalities harness the power of the Empire State Trail to boost local economies. Trail Towns create a robust, sustainable outdoor economy focused on natural assets and quality of life. Through this initiative, participating communities are able to identify and establish a strong community brand and identity. This foundation helps create a unique and memorable destination appeal, fostering a sense of place, and attracting visitors who seek authentic experiences that reflect the area's culture, heritage, and attractions.
Organizers say the Trail Town seed grants can make a big impact by providing the essential funding needed to enhance trails, support local businesses, and create vibrant outdoor recreation hubs that attract visitors and strengthen community pride.
Other regional awardees include:
• Village of Brockport ($12,349) for the purchase and installation of bike racks and inclusive wayfaring signage at Brockport's popular downtown and waterfront destinations near the Erie Canalway Trail.
• Village of Perry ($8,996) for the installation of a bicycle repair station and a water filling station at the Memorial Park/Main St trailhead.
• Letchworth Gateway Villages ($3,756) to print and distribute brochures and rack cards to highlight and promote individual Genesee Valley Trail Towns.
• Village of Avon ($3,000) for the installation of a water fill and pet station in the Erie-Attica trailhead park.
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CNN
11 hours ago
- CNN
The Nomadix Festival Blanket turns any terrain into a lounge space. Here's why it's my new summer staple
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The durable build and its lightweight, packable design make it well worth the $70 price tag. It holds up against the elements What sets the Nomadix Festival Blanket apart from the throw blanket on the back of your couch is that it's designed with the outdoors in mind. The blanket is made of two layers: The first is a microsuede top layer designed to keep lounging comfortable, and the second is a water-resistant bottom layer to keep you clean and dry on damp or dusty ground. The bottom layer is really what makes this a blanket built for the outdoors, and by protecting you from damp grass or sticky sand, the Nomadix Festival Blanket turns pretty much any surface into one you can sit on. During my testing, dirt, sand and water rolled right off the bottom layer of the blanket. These elements were equally as easy to shake loose from the blanket once my park or beach day was done, which helped ensure my tote bag didn't end up full of debris. 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It's a small thing, but it brought me a little extra dose of joy to see the bright pattern sprawled out in the sunshine. Despite how cute it looks, it's worth noting that the microsuede top isn't quite as element-resistant as the blanket's bottom. When shaken or brushed off, sand and large dirt particles are easily removed from the blanket, though darker dirt or mud clumps might leave behind some stains. The top is also not water-resistant, so if you spill your drink or hop down onto the blanket after a dip in the ocean, it'll stay damp unless you allow it to dry out in the direct sun. Any discoloration left behind by dirt or spills was gone after I washed the blanket, but just know that you'll be compromising some element-resistance on the top for the sake of comfort, which I found to be a pretty fair trade. It's lightweight and packable On my first outing with the Nomadix Festival Blanket in tow, I didn't head to the park right away. 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Yahoo
5 days ago
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Former national parks ranger warns of 'disconnection' over planned hikes to camping fees
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Yahoo
5 days ago
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Construction progresses for Panama City Garden Club project
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