Press Release
July 17, 1998
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Brian Vattimo
518/486-1868
PARKS COMMISSIONER, SENATOR PRESENT OPEN NEW PLAYGROUND AT ALLEGANY STATE PARK
(Salamanca, New York, July 17, 1998...) New York State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro and State Senator Jess J. Present joined other officials and children today to officially open a new playground in the Red House campsite area in Allegany State Park.
"Magnificent Allegany State Park is our largest state park and continues to be one of our most popular camping parks. I'm so pleased we are gathered here today to unveil this new playground for the many children who camp and visit in the Red House area," said Commissioner Castro.
Commissioner Castro thanked two children from Niagara Falls, Michael, 8, and Carley Guariglia, 10, for their efforts to make the new playground a reality. Last fall, the children circulated a petition, signed by more than 400 individuals, asking the commissioner to rebuild the playground, which was damaged by flooding in 1993.
"When our taxpayers and citizens reach out to us we listen," said Commissioner Castro. "These children went out and worked to get their playground rebuilt, and thanks to Senator Present, that is exactly what we have done."
Senator Present was able to secure a $25,000 grant to build the playground, which includes slides, ladders and other climbing areas.
"As a long-time supporter of Allegany State Park, it was my pleasure to assist Commissioner Castro and New York State Parks by securing funding for the new Red House campsite playground," said Senator Present. "This facility will provide hundreds of young Allegany State Park visitors, like Michael and Carley Guariglia, with safe and enjoyable recreational activities. The playground is a welcome addition to Allegany State Park, the crown jewel of Western New York."