I wanted to take a moment to update the community on changes to the Erie Canal towpath in recent weeks.

Earlier this month, the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation began a construction project with the goal of paving a 4.5 mile stretch of the Old Erie Canal towpath between Butternut Drive in DeWitt to Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville.

Soon after it began, avid runners who use the path regularly and prefer the softer more forgiving crushed stone surface reached out to local elected officials, including myself, to voice their concerns. Others contacted my office upset that no public comment had been taken before Parks initiated the project – a concern I shared. My office also heard from members of the disabled community who appreciated the general goals of the paving.

I immediately began working with all of these constituent groups and with the State Parks Office to see if we could reach a resolution. To facilitate this, I planned and hosted a meeting, along with Sen. John DeFrancisco, in which the NYS Parks Deputy Commissioner Tom Alworth heard directly from representatives of various groups, including runners, walkers, cyclists, snowmobilers, equestrian enthusiasts, tourism experts, and leaders of the Syracuse disabled community.

State Parks officials listened to community concerns and soon after announced that a compromise was reached that would improve disabled access to part of the trail and preserve the softer crushed stone surface on another section. Both surfaces can be accessed from the Manlius Center parking area. This compromise was a direct result of the community coming together around this issue, and I was pleased to play a role in finding a resolution.

Moving forward, I will be working with representatives from these various groups and other offices to create a Central New York trails council. It is my hope that this committee will serve as a way for citizens to be involved in the planning and development of the local trail system.

In the meantime, I hope everyone finds the time to visit the canal path while enjoying your favorite outdoor activities.